ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The New Nigeria Peoples Party has stated that it will move forward with its congresses and national convention, despite delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission in recognising the Dr Agbo Major-led leadership of the party, as mandated by court rulings.
This was made known in a statement released by the party’s founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, on Saturday in Lagos.
“Our programme of action to conduct congresses, primaries and convention 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 noted that INEC has continued to delay the upload and recognition of the NNPP National Working Committee led by Dr Agbo Major, despite existing court judgments.
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“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 added that the party would persist in seeking recognition of the Major-led National Working Committee by INEC.
“We expected INEC to obey the court orders. Unfortunately, this has not happened, and we have engaged the commission to understand the reason for its non-compliance, especially as there is no stay of execution or court order restraining compliance.
“Court orders supersede INEC’s decisions and actions, including internal disciplinary measures within a registered political party,” he said.
Aniebonam referenced earlier legal precedents, including cases involving Rotimi Amaechi and the Zamfara elections, as well as the experience of the late Arthur Nzeribe, to emphasise the importance of adhering to court rulings.
(NAN)