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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says it will proceed with its internal congresses and national convention despite delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in recognising the Dr Agbo Major-led leadership of the party, as directed by court rulings.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos by the party’s founder, Boniface Aniebonam.
Aniebonam said the party had submitted its timetable for congresses, primaries and convention to INEC and would go ahead with plans to contest all elective positions, including the 2027 presidential election.
“Our programme of action to conduct congresses, primaries and conventions has been submitted to INEC, and we are going ahead to participate in all elective positions, including the presidential election in 2027,” Aniebonam said.
He accused INEC of delaying the upload and recognition of the NNPP National Working Committee led by Major despite existing court judgments.
According to him, the delay, along with years of leadership disputes, had deprived the party and its members of opportunities to participate in several elections across the country.
He said the party had therefore decided to proceed with its congresses and convention while awaiting INEC’s compliance with the court orders.
Aniebonam added that the party could no longer deny its members the chance to contest elections, stressing that preparations for the 2027 general elections must begin early.
“The delays by INEC in obeying court orders, as well as the leadership tussle over the years, have denied the NNPP and its members many opportunities to participate in various elections nationwide.
“In view of this, we have decided to go ahead with our congresses and convention while awaiting INEC’s compliance with the court orders.
“We can no longer afford to deny our members the opportunity to participate in elections in Nigeria.
“The 2027 general elections are significant, and time is running out to prepare and allow members to indicate the positions they wish to contest,” he said.
He said the NNPP would continue efforts to secure official recognition of the Major-led National Working Committee.
Aniebonam noted that the party had expected INEC to obey the court rulings but had engaged the commission to understand the reason for its continued non-compliance, especially as there was no stay of execution or restraining order.
He maintained that court judgments supersede INEC’s decisions and actions, including internal disciplinary measures within registered political parties.
