By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has delivered a decisive ruling affirming the legitimacy of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leadership under Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and Dr. Agbo Major, dealing a significant blow to the faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The court, presided over by Justice M.A. Hassan, dismissed the suit filed by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, which sought to challenge the authority of the party’s Board of Trustees and its national leadership. The plaintiffs had requested declarations to nullify the legitimacy of key party figures, including Barr. Tony Christopher Obioha, Comrade Oginni Olaposi (National Secretary), and Chief Felix Chukwurah (Deputy National Chairman), as well as to prevent the party’s organs from convening meetings, congresses, and conventions.
However, the defense counsel, led by Segun Fiki Esq., along with C.F. Odiniru, E.C. Nwanya, and Arnold Ubua, argued that the suit was an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the NNPP—an area beyond the jurisdiction of the courts. The legal team referenced a prior ruling by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024), which had already upheld the authority of Dr. Aniebonam’s Board of Trustees as the party’s supreme governing body.
Justice Hassan, in his ruling, reaffirmed that the judiciary does not have jurisdiction over internal party leadership matters. He emphasized that courts can only intervene in cases related to candidate nominations, not party governance disputes.
“The courts have consistently maintained that internal party leadership issues are non-justiciable, as reaffirmed by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Consequently, I have no option but to dismiss this suit for lack of jurisdiction,” Justice Hassan ruled.
This judgment effectively ends the leadership dispute, affirming that the NNPP remains under the legally recognized leadership of Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and Dr. Agbo Major. It also validates the party’s recently held congresses and National Convention, which were conducted under their leadership.
With this ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a defendant in the case, is expected to formally recognize the Aniebonam and Agbo Major-led leadership, aligning with both the Abia State High Court and the FCT High Court decisions.
The NNPP leadership has called on all members to align with the court-backed leadership and focus on strengthening the party as a credible force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
