Lagos: Members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Wednesday, gathered at the office of its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in Apapa, Lagos, to celebrate their victory in an Abuja High Court against the Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso-led faction.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the party members were observed dancing and expressing gratitude for their court win. The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Agbo Major-led National Working Committee of the NNPP and reject the faction led by Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections.
Litigations have persisted over the leadership and ownership of the NNPP. The Kwankwasiya Movement, in response to the court ruling, issued a statement through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ladipo Johnson, describing the judgment as a significant setback for the nation’s judiciary. Johnson criticized the judgment by Justice Bello Kawu as illegal and illogical, indicating the group’s intention to appeal.
Dr. Aniebonam expressed disappointment over Johnson’s remarks, stating that as a lawyer, Johnson should refrain from disparaging judges. Aniebonam pointed out that an appeal regarding the NNPP matter is already pending at the Appeal Court in Owerri, Imo, and approaching another appeal court would constitute an abuse of court processes.
Aniebonam mentioned that the ruling was based on a judicial complaint aimed at compelling INEC to adhere to the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. He criticized the use of harsh language against judges due to a lost case.
He further clarified that he registered the NNPP in 2001, while Kwankwaso, along with Buba Galadima and the Kwankwasiya Movement, joined in 2022 under a Memorandum of Understanding. Aniebonam accused Kwankwaso and Galadima of attempting to seize control of the NNPP even after the memorandum expired and their subsequent expulsion from the party.
The judicial victory, Aniebonam asserted, sheds light on the reasons behind Gov. Abbah Yusuf’s defection to the APC, attributing it to ongoing legal battles.