Kwankwaso’s expulsion was announced in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by NNPP factional National Publicity Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq.

The development is coming barely three days after the factional leaders vowed to probe the former Kano governor and some of his loyalists over the alleged misappropriation of over N1 billion generated from the sale of nomination forms.

But Abdulrasaq affirmed that the decision to expel Kwankwaso with immediate effect was taken after he failed to appear before the disciplinary panel to defend himself over the allegations of ‘gross anti-party activities and mismanagement of party campaign funds within five days.’

The spokesman however reiterated that his expulsion was done in line with the provisions of the party constitution 2022 as amended.

He said, “The NEC met in an emergency session on Friday, September 1, and resolved that following the refusal of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to appear before the disciplinary committee which sat on Thursday, August 31, after being duly invited in writing, he is hereby expelled from NNPP with immediate effect.

“That the erstwhile presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will be reported to appropriate quarters to answer questions on financial impropriety relating to mismanagement of public funds.”

Reacting, an ally of Kwankwaso and National Auditor of NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, frowned at the report, saying Agbo’s faction does not have the locus standi to dismiss the former governor.

“Expel who? These people are no longer our people. They are out of the party and cannot speak on behalf of the party. Let them form their own party or go to court. It is as simple as that. There are so many important things to worry about in this country.

“How can they expel Kwankwaso? Someone whose relationship with the National Working Committee is intact here at the national headquarters in Abuja? We will soon be having a press conference to address this matter,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the choice of Idahosa as Kwankwaso’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the NNPP was made known on Thursday.

In a statement by Kwankwaso Media Aide, Muyiwa Fatosa, on Friday, the former Kano State governor said that his choice of Bishop Idahosa was made after careful considerations and meticulous screening of more than 20 prospective candidates, all of whom were eminently qualified to run with him.

”Idahosa was also selected because of his outstanding record, impeccable integrity, broad understanding of the Nigerian state and its contemporary challenges.”

Kwankwaso said that Idahosa has an undiluted commitment to improving the conditions of Nigerians and his sincere belief that “a New and Better Nigeria is possible if we work together with sincerity, tolerance, competence, and faith.

“A self-made achiever and a credible Nigerian, Bishop Idahosa is also selected because he represents the definition of a true role model for the Nigerian Youth,” he said.

Kwankwaso expressed happiness that this patriotic Nigerian man-of-God would work with him in the journey to save the country.

He said the team would save Nigeria from the current challenges and create a new Nigeria where justice, equity, fairness, unity, security and development would be strengthened.

NAN reports that Idahosa is the Presiding Bishop and Senior Pastor of the God First Ministry, Lekki Light Centre, Ajah, and hails from Edo.

The 57-year-old archbishop-designate is a trained Automobile Engineer from Kaduna Polytechnic.

He also has Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Theology. He is happily married to Christiana Idahosa and blessed with two children.

Bishop Idahosa will be publicly and officially unveiled to Nigerians on Monday, July 18 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.