The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has said the party will adopt a consensus arrangement in selecting its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Aniebonam, who is also the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, said the NNPP has pardoned all expelled members and will re-admit them into the party as part of efforts to strengthen unity ahead of the polls.
He made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to him, it is an established fact that some primary elections in Nigeria have denied credible candidates the opportunity to test their popularity at the general elections.
“We shall avoid this scenario in line with our resolutions at our last convention in Lagos to adopt consensus candidates in order to present our best options rather than money politics.
“Under this arrangement, Nigerians who are committed to the ideals of a new Nigeria, who may not want to spend resources on primaries and who have the capacity to run effective campaigns, are encouraged to come forward.
“In particular, women shall enjoy free nomination forms and will only pay administrative charges as a commitment to the NNPP.
“We are also strengthening internal reconciliation mechanisms to ensure inclusiveness, stability, and fair representation across all levels of the party,” he stated.
Aniebonam also noted that the party had, at its last convention in Lagos, approved automatic tickets for all its elected members in executive and legislative positions for the 2027 elections.
“The party has not changed this position despite the misdemeanours of some members,” he added.
He further explained that the decision to embrace consensus and reconciliation was aimed at preventing internal divisions and ensuring that the party presents a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the pardon for suspended members, he recalled that during internal crises and litigations, some members were expelled for anti-party activities.
“By virtue of the powers conferred on me by the NNPP Constitution as Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I hereby declare a general pardon for all members who acted unconstitutionally due to the influence of certain individuals in the past.
“It is constitutional for the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees to call any member of the party to order when necessary.
“Accordingly, all members who were misled by the defunct National Working Committee (NWC) are at liberty to return to the party family.
“However, all concerned must report to the NWC under Dr. Agbo Major to pledge loyalty going forward,” he said.
He added that members who defected due to court cases could still return before the deadline stipulated by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
He emphasized that reconciliation efforts were part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the party as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political space.
“It shall be the responsibility of the Screening Committee, in consultation with the National Chairman and Secretary General, to approve the re-admission of expelled members in order to ensure peace and stability within the party.
“The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall continue to oversee the administration of the party in line with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Owerri.
“Politicians who wish to join our journey towards a new Nigeria are also welcome within the stipulated timeframe.
“The Board urges members to ensure proper resignation from any other political party to avoid contravening the Electoral Act, which prohibits dual membership.
“All new members must ensure their resignations are properly documented both manually and electronically,” he added.
