Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a high-stakes shakeup for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, formally took command today following a landmark ruling from the Abia State High Court. The ruling hands control of the party to the BOT, sparking a fierce backlash from the Kwankwaso’s faction of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with heated accusations flying against Nigeria’s judiciary.
Dr. Aniebonam addressed the press at the NNPP Annex in Apapa, Lagos, passionately defending the court’s decision and condemning the pushback from Kwankwaso’s team. He singled out Barrister Ladipo Johnson, a key Kwankwaso aide, for what he called a deliberate attempt to undermine public confidence in the judiciary—a move he described as both baseless and a direct affront to lawful governance.
In recounting his support for Kwankwaso’s 2023 election bid, Dr. Aniebonam expressed frustration at what he sees as betrayal. Back in 2022, he offered Kwankwaso and his allies the NNPP platform—no strings attached, with no financial demands, and even provided resources to help fuel their campaign. Yet today, he finds himself facing off against the same faction he once championed, now seemingly bent on weakening the very foundation of the party.
Dr. Aniebonam didn’t mince words as he exposed what he deemed a coordinated campaign of misinformation from the Kwankwasiyya camp. He highlighted fundamental misunderstandings by Barrister Johnson and his allies regarding legal terms and processes, pointing out that misrepresenting judicial authority only misleads the public.
Despite the drama, Dr. Aniebonam struck an optimistic tone, inviting elected NNPP representatives to unite under the BOT’s leadership and pledging a strong, united front moving forward. He urged party members to avoid media smear tactics and instead seek redress through proper legal channels, reaffirming that the BOT would do everything necessary to uphold stability within the NNPP.
Looking ahead, the BOT is set to meet on November 8 to outline a strategic roadmap, doubling down on its mission to build a new Nigeria free from divisive politics and unsubstantiated attacks. As the dust settles on this internal power struggle, NNPP remains resolute in its pursuit of a brighter future for Nigeria, guided by the rule of law and a commitment to transparency.