The New Nigeria Peoples Party has announced plans to move forward with its congresses and national convention despite delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission in recognising its current leadership.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos by the party’s founder, Boniface Aniebonam, who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to participating fully in the 2027 general elections.
According to Aniebonam, the party has already submitted its timetable for congresses, primaries, and convention to INEC and will proceed with its internal processes regardless of the commission’s delay. He emphasized that the party cannot afford to deny its members the opportunity to contest elective positions.
At the centre of the dispute is the leadership of the party, with Aniebonam insisting that the National Working Committee led by Agbo Major should be recognised in line with existing court rulings. He accused INEC of failing to comply with these judgments despite the absence of any restraining order.
The NNPP founder noted that prolonged leadership tussles and delays in recognition have already cost the party opportunities to participate in previous elections. He stressed that with the 2027 elections approaching, time is critical for proper preparation and candidate selection.
Aniebonam also maintained that court rulings should take precedence over administrative decisions, urging INEC to respect the rule of law. He referenced past political cases, including those involving Rotimi Amaechi, to highlight the importance of complying with judicial decisions in electoral matters.
He added that the party would continue engaging with INEC while pursuing full recognition of its leadership, expressing hope that the situation would be resolved in line with legal provisions.
The development underscores ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s political party system as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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