In a heated exchange, the Majority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has responded fiercely to allegations made by Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency. Doguwa accused Jibrin of political sabotage and unresolved allegations of violence that allegedly resulted in the deaths of seven people during the 2019 general elections.
In a statement issued on August 8, 2024, Doguwa apologized to his supporters and political elders for addressing Jibrin’s claims, but stressed that he could not remain silent when his integrity and life were under attack. He referred to Jibrin as a “political parasite” and “electoral terrorist,” claiming that the genesis of their dispute was Jibrin’s defense of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who had previously criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Doguwa asserted that Jibrin’s accusations against him were baseless, highlighting that he had been cleared of all charges related to the alleged election violence in his Tudun Wada/Doguwa constituency. He noted that multiple courts, including a Federal High Court in Abuja, had found him innocent, with the most recent ruling ordering the Kano State government to pay him N25 million in damages for defamation.
However, Doguwa turned the spotlight on Jibrin, alleging that Jibrin was involved in a deadly attack on supporters of Kwankwaso and Abba Kabir Yusuf, the then-governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), during the 2019 campaign. Doguwa claimed that seven PDP supporters were killed, several others injured, and 25 cars were burned during the attack, which Jibrin allegedly masterminded.
Doguwa emphasized that these allegations against Jibrin had not been fully investigated, and he challenged Jibrin to address them publicly. He also warned Jibrin to be cautious, as Kwankwaso and other key figures might pursue legal action against him for his alleged role in the violence.
The exchange underscores the deep-seated animosity between the two politicians, with Doguwa dismissing Jibrin’s threats to reveal damaging information that could lead to Doguwa’s expulsion from the APC. Doguwa concluded by leaving Jibrin’s allegations to the “court of public opinion” and urged the media to scrutinize the facts.
The confrontation marks another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Doguwa and Jibrin, highlighting the intense political battles in Kano State ahead of future elections.