By Sandra Chukwunyere
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Tuesday resolved to stage a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja over what it described as the commission’s refusal to comply with court judgments concerning the party’s leadership dispute.
The decision was reached at a closed-door meeting of party leaders and stakeholders held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos. The meeting was attended by NEC members and board representatives from across the country and presided over by the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the party’s Head of Strategy and Planning, Dr. Clement Iwegbuna, said the NNPP had twice suspended planned protests in the interest of peace and in the hope that INEC would implement court rulings directing it to recognise the NEC led by Major Gilbert Agbo.
“We have exercised restraint for too long. Our members will be at the INEC headquarters until the commission complies with the valid court orders and recognises the leadership affirmed by the courts,” Iwegbuna said.
The party maintained that the leadership dispute had been settled by judgments delivered by courts in Abia State, the FCT High Court, Apo Division, and the Court of Appeal in Owerri, which it said affirmed the Major Gilbert Agbo-led leadership.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, INEC’s alleged refusal to implement the judgments, including a mandamus order reportedly issued by Justice Bello Kawu, amounts to a threat to the rule of law and democratic governance.
“The commission is expected to act as an impartial umpire. We are concerned that INEC has continued to disregard court decisions even after those involved in the leadership tussle have moved on to other political parties,” the party stated.
The NNPP argued that no institution is above the law and urged the electoral body to comply with court orders in the interest of democracy, justice, and national stability.
The party also expressed concern that the unresolved issue had limited the participation of some members in electoral activities, adding that the planned protest would draw wider attention to the matter.
Despite the dispute, the NNPP said it would continue the sale of nomination forms ahead of future elections.
On political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, the party ruled out participation in any coalition, insisting that many proposed alliances were driven by personal interests rather than ideology or national development.
“We are not interested in politics driven by personal vendetta. While there is nothing wrong with seeking public office, political movements should be built around ideas and programmes that benefit Nigerians, not opposition to a particular individual,” the communiqué stated.
The party added that any group seeking to take power must present a credible and selfless agenda and allow Nigerians to decide at the ballot box.
The NNPP also accused INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, of undermining democratic principles through alleged disregard for court orders. It further claimed that attempts had been made to challenge and transfer some of the cases, which it described as interference with the judicial process.
Iwegbuna called on the judiciary to safeguard its authority and ensure respect for its judgments, stressing that compliance with court decisions remains essential to the rule of law and democratic governance.
