The Founder and Life Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has urged lawmakers elected under the NNPP to return to the party’s Lagos headquarters and reclaim their roles. This statement followed a recent court ruling from an Abia High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Aniebonam’s leadership as the official authority in the NNPP.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, Aniebonam revealed that the BoT will convene a crucial meeting on November 8 to establish specific directives in compliance with the court order. He described this ruling as an essential step toward restoring the NNPP’s founding vision and giving elected officials control over the party’s future.
“The NNPP was originally created to represent the interests of freight forwarders and amplify our voices in government,” said Aniebonam, who also serves as the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF). He emphasized that NNPP leaders should prioritize the needs of the party’s constituents rather than pursue personal agendas in court, an indirect criticism directed at former NNPP leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and his allies.
Aniebonam’s remarks follow the recent withdrawal of a legal case by Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima in Kano State High Court. He expressed frustration over the “embarrassment” caused by the lawsuit, alleging that despite his support for Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential campaign, Kwankwaso and his associates had failed to honor their commitments.
“Instead of working to improve Kano or contribute positively, they have been spending significant sums on court cases,” Aniebonam stated. “This entire process has cost me nearly N800 million in legal fees alone.”
He further clarified that Kwankwaso is unlikely to appeal the Abia High Court’s decision, as he is no longer a recognized member of the NNPP following internal expulsions. Aniebonam called on senators, members of the Federal House of Representatives, and state assembly officials to “take back” their positions within the party, assuring them that Kwankwaso’s influence no longer holds sway.
“This party belongs to its elected members,” Aniebonam declared. “Come to NAGAFF Village in Lagos, and take your rightful place. We are committed to advancing the logistics and freight forwarding sectors through NNPP’s political platform, giving our industry the representation it deserves.”
During his address, Aniebonam specifically criticized Buba Galadima for his perceived disloyalty, stating, “He came to my house begging for support, and yet he has gone on television spreading falsehoods about me.”
Aniebonam reiterated that the NNPP’s purpose is to promote the interests of freight forwarders and related industries within Nigeria. By solidifying the BoT’s leadership, he hopes the party will refocus on its founding mission, steering away from personality-driven conflicts and returning to a more collaborative approach.
The upcoming BoT meeting is expected to provide additional guidance on implementing the court’s decision and to outline a strategy for unifying NNPP members around their shared goals for progress and representation in Nigeria’s political landscape.
