The internal battle over the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) rages on, as the faction aligned with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, led by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, asserts control of the party despite a recent court setback.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Since the 2023 general elections, the NNPP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, particularly affecting its stronghold in Kano State. This dispute reached the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where a suit by the Kwankwaso-aligned faction sought to nullify the authority of another faction led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and Dr. Agbo Major.

The plaintiffs—Dr. Ahmed and 20 others—attempted to bar the rival group from convening meetings, holding congresses, or conducting the party’s national convention, citing their prior expulsion. However, the court, presided over by Justice M.A. Hassan, dismissed the suit, ruling that matters involving the internal operations of political parties—excluding issues related to the nomination of candidates—are outside the court’s jurisdiction.

The ruling did not resolve the leadership dispute, prompting both factions to claim victory. While the Aniebonam-led group saw the judgment as a legal endorsement of its authority, the Kwankwaso-aligned faction insisted the court simply refused to intervene and gave no recognition to any faction.

Oginni Olaposi, the factional National Secretary, described the judgment as a win for internal party democracy and a confirmation of the Agbo Major-led leadership. Their legal counsel, Segun Fiki, echoed this sentiment, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognize their leadership.

In contrast, Barrister Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the Ahmed-led group, dismissed these claims, accusing expelled party members of misleading the public. He emphasized that individuals like Aniebonam, Agbo, and Olaposi are not listed on INEC’s portal as members of the National Working Committee and remain lawfully expelled based on a previous court judgment from April 2024.

Johnson argued that legitimacy must align with both constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, and pointed to Section 222(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 81 and 83 of the 2022 Electoral Act to bolster his case.

Meanwhile, the leadership impasse has further polarized the party in Kano. Factional chairman Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa praised the ruling, claiming it reinforces their legitimacy and dismisses opposition attempts to undermine their authority. He described his faction, which uses the book and cup logo, as the mainstream NNPP, backed by elected officials including a sitting governor and legislators.

On the other hand, Senator Jibril El-Masud Doguwa, who heads the faction identified by a basket and fruits logo, also welcomed the judgment but took a conciliatory approach. He emphasized unity, calling for an end to factional disputes for the sake of the NNPP’s growth in Kano and nationwide.

As it stands, the NNPP remains divided, with no clear resolution in sight, and both camps intensifying their battle for dominance ahead of 2027.