Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has delivered a decisive ruling affirming the legitimacy of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leadership under Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and National Chairman Dr. Agbo Major. The judgment effectively dismisses attempts by the faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to challenge the party’s leadership.
The case, brought by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, sought to nullify the authority of the party’s Board of Trustees and national leadership, alleging that key figures, including its founder, had been expelled. However, the court rejected their claims, upholding the argument presented by the defense that the matter fell outside judicial jurisdiction as it pertained to internal party affairs.
In delivering the ruling, Justice M.A. Hassan emphasized that party leadership disputes are non-justiciable, citing precedents set by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter and dismissed the case in its entirety.
This judgment follows a similar ruling by the Abia State High Court in November 2024, which also reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Aniebonam-led Board of Trustees as the NNPP’s highest governing authority. The verdict now clears the way for the party’s leadership to function without legal distractions, cementing its authority over recent congresses and the National Convention.
The decision is expected to have significant political implications, as it compels the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognize the Aniebonam-Agbo leadership in all official dealings with the NNPP.
Party leaders have since called on members to unite behind the recognized leadership and focus on strengthening the party ahead of upcoming elections.