The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ignore what it described as a “purported notice” of congress, amid a lingering dispute over the party’s leadership.
The call was made by the National Secretary of the NNPP faction loyal to the party’s Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Mr. Oginni Sunday. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Sunday said the notice, which was reportedly signed on behalf of the Rabiu Kwankwaso-led faction, was illegal and in violation of existing court judgments.
“This purported convention letter, signed by the Kwankwaso-aligned pressure group, is an affront to the FCT High Court judgment delivered on April 3,” Sunday said. He described the signatories, Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and Dipo Olayoku, as “meddlesome interlopers” attempting to interfere in the legitimate affairs of the party.
According to Sunday, the FCT High Court had previously dismissed a case filed by the Kwankwaso faction challenging the legitimacy of the Aniebonam-led leadership. “The judgment clearly affirms that any attempt to convene a new congress without the authorization of the lawful party executives is illegal,” he said.
The recent statements by the NNPP faction follow a series of legal battles over the party’s leadership. The dispute began when the Ajuji-led group filed a suit on December 16, 2024, to stop the lawful congress and convention organized by the Aniebonam-led Board of Trustees.
However, the Abia State High Court had previously delivered a ruling on November 1, 2024 (Suit No. HUZ/11/2024), supporting the Aniebonam-led faction’s right to conduct the congress and convention. Later, on April 3, 2025, the FCT High Court, presided over by Justice M.A. Hassan, dismissed another suit filed by the Kwankwaso faction, further consolidating the authority of the current leadership.
Sunday explained that the effect of the court rulings was clear: the Kwankwaso-aligned Ajuji group became debtors under the judgment, while the Aniebonam-led executives are recognized as the rightful creditors. He expressed shock that the Ajuji and Olayoku group still approached INEC with a request to hold a new convention despite the rulings.
“This is a total defiance of the valid December 2024 and January 2025 congress and convention conducted by the Aniebonam-led leadership. We have submitted a letter to INEC to distance itself from this illegal process and hope that the commission will act swiftly,” he added.
The NNPP leadership struggle stems from internal disagreements over party control and the influence of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The faction aligned with Kwankwaso had sought to challenge the authority of the party’s Board of Trustees and executive leadership, which includes Dr. Agbo Major, National Chairman; Oginni Olaposi, National Secretary; Chief Felix Chukwurah, Deputy National Chairman; and legal adviser Tony Obioha.
The Ajuji-led group claimed that its members had been expelled from the party and therefore could not be bound by decisions made by the Aniebonam-led leadership. They requested the courts to restrain the current executives from conducting meetings, congresses, or national conventions.
However, the courts have consistently ruled that internal party disputes, particularly those involving membership or leadership, fall outside judicial jurisdiction. Justice Hassan of the FCT High Court emphasized that Nigerian law allows political parties to manage internal affairs, including conventions and congresses, without court interference unless there is a direct legal violation.
In his statement, Sunday highlighted the importance of respecting the internal processes of political parties. “It is shocking and unbelievable that the Ajuji and Olayoku group would attempt to write INEC and organize a fresh congress when the matter has been conclusively settled by the court,” he said.
He further urged the public and relevant authorities to recognize the Aniebonam-led faction as the legitimate leadership of the NNPP. “This is not only a matter of internal party discipline but also one of legal compliance. Any attempt to undermine this leadership is unlawful and unacceptable,” he added.
The National Secretary stressed that political stability within parties is crucial for the democratic process. In a country where party conflicts can disrupt electoral participation and governance, adherence to legal judgments and recognized structures is key to maintaining order.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays a central role in recognizing political party structures in Nigeria. By law, the commission must verify that party congresses and conventions comply with internal rules and legal requirements before official recognition. The NNPP’s warning to INEC highlights the need for the commission to avoid endorsing activities that could further inflame factional disputes.
The NNPP faction loyal to Aniebonam has signaled that it will continue to enforce the court rulings and protect the legitimacy of its leadership. By urging INEC to disregard the purported notice of congress, the faction aims to prevent further legal and political complications.
Meanwhile, the Kwankwaso-aligned group has not publicly responded to the latest statements, but party watchers believe that any attempt to push forward with an unauthorized congress could lead to additional legal challenges. Observers also note that similar leadership disputes have occurred in other Nigerian political parties, where internal rivalries sometimes escalate close to national elections.
For now, the Aniebonam-led NNPP appears determined to consolidate its position and ensure that all party activities follow legal and organizational guidelines. The outcome of this dispute could serve as a precedent for how Nigerian political parties manage internal conflicts while preparing for future elections.
