NNPP CRISIS: Court Dismisses Suit Challenging NNPP Leadership, Affirms Authenticity of Dr. Agbo Major’s Exco

Abuja: The leadership tussle within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) took a decisive turn on Thursday as the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, dismissed a suit filed by a faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, which sought to challenge the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership under its founder, Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major.

The case, filed by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, aimed to invalidate the authority of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and its executive leadership, including Barr. Tony Christopher Obioha, Comrade Oginni Olaposi (National Secretary), and Chief Felix Chukwurah (Deputy National Chairman). 

The claimants had asked the court to restrain these officials from convening meetings, conducting congresses, or presiding over the party’s National Convention, arguing that they had been expelled from the NNPP.

However, in a landmark judgment, Justice M.A. Hassan ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, affirming that internal party disputes—such as leadership and membership issues—are beyond judicial intervention.

“The position of the law, as upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, is clear: courts do not adjudicate on matters that fall within the internal affairs of a political party, except in cases relating to nomination of candidates for elections,” Justice Hassan stated.

With this verdict, the court effectively dismissed all reliefs sought by the claimants, thereby affirming that the Dr. Agbo Major-led NNPP leadership remains the legitimate authority overseeing the party’s affairs.

Judgment Aligns with Earlier Abia State High Court Ruling.

The ruling reinforces an earlier decision by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024), delivered on November 1, 2024, which had reinstated the NNPP’s Board of Trustees, led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. That judgment had also upheld the legitimacy of the party’s congresses and National Convention, which saw the election of the current leadership.

Legal Team Welcomes Judgment, Calls for immediate I NEC Recognition of Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major as the authentic Chairman and  Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday as the authentic  National Secretary of New Nigeria People's Party.

Counsel to the defendants, Segun Fiki Esq., welcomed the ruling, noting that the case was an attempt to usurp the leadership of the party through the back door. He emphasized that the court’s decision affirms the rightful administration of the NNPP under Dr. Agbo Major as the  National Chairman and Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the Founder and Board of Trustees Chairman .

“The court has spoken clearly—this matter is non-justiciable. The legitimate leadership of the NNPP has been affirmed, and we now expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognize and cooperate with the party’s duly elected officials,” he said.

The court’s verdict represents a major defeat for the Kwankwaso-led faction, which had sought to wrest control of the party. 

With this ruling, the NNPP’s leadership, as currently constituted, can now focus on strengthening the party’s structure and positioning it as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.

INEC is expected to Comply with this Court Rulings.

Legal experts argue that, having been a party to the suit, INEC is now duty-bound to acknowledge and work with the NNPP’s recognized leadership.

 Political analysts also believe that the ruling will put to rest the internal wranglings that have threatened the unity of the party.

With this legal hurdle cleared, Dr. Agbo Major and his executive team are now poised to steer the ship of NNPP towards achieving its political objectives without further legal distractions.

The ruling is being seen as a significant victory for party stability and internal democracy, as it underscores the non-interference of the judiciary in the internal workings of political parties. The judgment also reinforces the NNPP’s commitment to legitimate leadership and due process as it prepares for future political engagements.

With the court’s verdict now settled, all eyes are on INEC to take the necessary steps to recognize the leadership of the NNPP in accordance with the law.