Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has reacted to the recent solidarity visit by Hakeem Baba Ahmed to the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressing concern over what it described as selective engagement on critical issues affecting sister political parties.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the NNPP National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the party acknowledged Ahmed’s remarks as thoughtful but questioned his silence on developments within the NNPP.
The party criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of overstepping its constitutional boundaries by interpreting court judgments instead of seeking judicial clarification where necessary.
“INEC ought to have pursued a judicial review in cases where court rulings appear unclear, rather than assuming the role of a court of law,” the statement said.
The NNPP further alleged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima unlawfully appropriated the party’s logo and structure for personal interests without the consent of its original leadership.
According to the party, Ahmed, as a leader of the People’s Redemption Party, should have first intervened in the NNPP crisis before extending solidarity to the ADC.
The statement warned that the alleged actions of Kwankwaso and Galadima could negatively impact the ADC, which it described as a “sister political party,” for accommodating them and their Kwankwasiyya movement without due scrutiny.
NNPP also revealed that a subsisting order of the Federal Capital Territory High Court directing INEC to act within 72 hours remains unimplemented, accusing the electoral body of contempt.
“It is disturbing that INEC now appears to condition compliance with court orders on further engagement with parties, effectively turning its office into a courtroom,” the statement noted.
The party alleged bias on the part of INEC, claiming the commission is favoring the Kwankwaso faction while delaying the NNPP’s rightful participation in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While acknowledging Ahmed’s intervention as a mark of statesmanship, the NNPP urged him to go further by advising the ADC leadership against what it described as endorsement of illegality.
The party also called on the Presidency to investigate developments within INEC ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
“No matter how contentious a judgment may be, it must first be obeyed. Any aggrieved party retains the right to seek redress through appeal,” the statement emphasized.
The NNPP warned that it may seek legal remedies to compel compliance and ensure its participation in the 2027 electoral process is not hindered.