The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has stated that it does not plan on punishing the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin, over his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.

The National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, made the disclosure during an interview with Punch.

According to him, the party was aware of the closed-door meeting, so it could not be considered an anti-party move.

He said, “No, there is nothing like that. This is because when you talk to people in the ruling party or Mr President, and the party is aware of it, no one can accuse you of anti-party activities

“So it’s too early to start to talk about that. As I earlier said, we are a democratic party.

“We understand that today some might be with you, tomorrow they might be elsewhere. But the party keeps growing, that is the most important thing.”

He added, “We have made it clear that we are a democratic party and have options available to us.

“And I’m sure Hon Mumuni was speaking in the context of that when he said we are open to possibilities. So, I won’t say it’s early days, but I will say we’re almost there.”

Wednesday’s closed-door talks between Jibrin and President Bola Tinubu at the State House sparked speculation of an imminent defection to the ruling APC.

The ally of the national leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also admitted to State House correspondents that he is open to leaving the NNPP for the All Progressives Congress.