The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which emerged as a formidable political force in the 2023 elections, is currently embroiled in a deep internal crisis.
The party, which gained significant traction after former Kano State Governor, Senator Musa Kwankwaso, joined its ranks, is now facing a bitter power struggle between Kwankwaso’s camp and the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.
A Party Divided
The NNPP’s impressive performance in the 2023 elections, where it defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State and secured several legislative seats, marked its first major electoral success since its inception nearly two decades ago.
However, the party’s internal unity began to unravel following the resignation of Professor Rufai Alkali as National Chairman.
The battle for control of the NNPP has led to the emergence of parallel executives, with Kwankwaso’s faction led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji, and Aniebonam’s camp led by Dr. Agbo Major. Both factions have taken drastic steps, including suspensions and expulsions of key figures from the opposing side.
In a bold move, the Kwankwaso-led faction held a national convention, during which they changed the party’s logo and amended its constitution.
This action was approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively sidelining Aniebonam and his supporters.
Conflicting Court Orders
As the power struggle intensifies, both factions have armed themselves with conflicting court orders, barring each other from acting as the legitimate executives of the party.
Despite these legal battles, both sides continue to operate as though unrestrained by any judicial orders.
The Kwankwaso faction’s decision to change the party’s logo and constitution has been a particularly contentious issue.
Defending the move, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, cited challenges encountered during the 2023 general elections as the impetus for the change.
“Our experience in the last general elections when the old logo with its many colours posed a great challenge in the production of the ballot papers gave us a clear indication that, for the party, going forward, there was an urgent need to do something about the logo,” Johnson explained.
Aniebonam’s Rebuttal
Reacting to these developments, Dr. Aniebonam accused Kwankwaso’s camp of flouting court orders and coercing INEC into endorsing the changes.
He expressed regret over his decision to welcome Kwankwaso and his supporters into the party, accusing them of derailing the NNPP’s original vision.
“I founded this party in 2001 with the aim of creating a space and choice for ordinary Nigerians.
But it is no longer representing its name. All I wanted was a better Nigeria which Kwankwaso and the rest have frustrated,” Aniebonam lamented.
He further declared the recent amendments to the constitution, logo, and flag of the party as null and void, emphasizing that he remains in possession of the party’s original registration certificate.
INEC and IPAC’s Stance
INEC, on its part, has maintained that the changes made by the NNPP were approved following due process.
The Commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, denied Aniebonam’s allegations, stressing that INEC is committed to upholding the law and ensuring fair play.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has offered to mediate in the ongoing crisis.
IPAC Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, expressed optimism about resolving the conflict, stating that it is part of IPAC’s mandate to address such intraparty disputes.
The Road Ahead
As the NNPP grapples with its internal discord, the future of the party hangs in the balance.
The resolution of this conflict will determine whether the NNPP can maintain its newfound political relevance or risk fading back into obscurity as the 2027 elections approach.
