Court Stops INEC from Recognizing NNPP Faction, Backs Dr. Major’s Leadership

ByFranklin Eke1 day Ago1 Mins read14

A High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must only recognize the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leadership under Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major. The decision came after two separate court orders issued on November 25 and 27, 2025, by Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court in Apo.

The NNPP had gone to court accusing a rival group led by Dr. Ajuju Ahmed of trying to mislead INEC, even though earlier judgments had confirmed Dr. Major as the rightful leader of the party.

In the first ruling, the court gave the NNPP permission to seek a judicial review and said that INEC must not take any action that goes against the confirmed leadership. The judge also ordered a fast-track hearing and set December 10, 2025, as the date for the main case.

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In the second ruling, the court allowed the NNPP to serve legal documents to 16 people involved in the factional group through the party’s national office in Abuja. The judge also told INEC not to attend or monitor any events organized by the rival group until the case is settled.

Those affected by the court’s order include Dr. Ajuju Ahmed, Abba Kawu Ali, Prince Nwaeze Onu, Aladipo Alayokun, Ladipo Johnson, Arc. Mohammed Abacha, Mustapha Alkassim, and others.

After the court’s decision, the NNPP’s legal team wrote to INEC’s new chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, to inform him about the ruling and remind him to follow all court instructions. The letter also congratulated him on his appointment.

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The NNPP pointed out that past judgments from both the Abia State High Court and the FCT High Court had already confirmed Dr. Major’s position and rejected the Ahmed-led group’s claims. The party accused INEC of previously recognizing the faction despite receiving an “unauthorized” letter from Ajuju Ahmed and Dipo Olayoku about planned party events.

The NNPP warned that any further engagement with the faction would go against court orders and violate the Nigerian Constitution. They also referred to a Supreme Court ruling that said no government body should ignore court decisions or act in a way that forces the court to accept a situation that hasn’t been legally resolved.