On Thursday, a significant decision was made by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja regarding the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The court dismissed a lawsuit from a group supporting Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who challenged the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership, led by founder Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and National Chairman Dr. Agbo Major.

The lawsuit, brought by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, aimed to cancel the authority of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees and other party leaders, including National Secretary Comrade Oginni Olaposi and Deputy National Chairman Chief Felix Chukwurah. They claimed these officials should not be able to hold meetings or run party events because they had been expelled from the party.

However, Justice M.A. Hassan ruled that the court could not get involved in internal party matters. He stated that court involvement is limited to issues about election candidate nominations, as established by previous court rulings. This decision means that the leadership under Dr. Agbo Major is recognized as the legitimate authority of the NNPP.

Support for the Court’s Decision

This ruling aligns with an earlier decision from the Abia State High Court in November 2024, which had reinstated the NNPP’s Board of Trustees and confirmed the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure.

The legal team for the current leaders welcomed the ruling, arguing that the lawsuit was an attempt to take control of the party without proper means. As a result of this ruling, they now expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize Dr. Agbo Major as the rightful chairman and Comrade Oginni Olaposi as the national secretary of the party.

Moving Forward

The ruling is a significant setback for the faction led by Kwankwaso, which tried to take over the party. With this legal issue settled, the current leaders of the NNPP can now focus on strengthening the party and influencing Nigeria’s political landscape.

Legal experts believe INEC must now work with the recognized leadership of the NNPP. Political analysts also think this decision will help unify the party and reduce internal conflicts.

Overall, this court ruling is seen as a victory for stability and fair leadership within the NNPP, emphasizing that the judiciary will not interfere in the internal matters of political parties. All attention now turns to INEC to ensure that the NNPP’s leadership is acknowledged as the law requires.