The Dr. Boniface Aniebonam-led faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has threatened to stage a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja over what it described as the commission’s continued refusal to comply with court judgments relating to the party’s leadership dispute.
The decision was announced after a closed-door meeting involving members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), Board members, and other stakeholders from across the country. The meeting was held on Tuesday at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
Reading the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the party’s Head of Strategy and Planning, Dr. Clement Iwegbuna, said members had resolved to embark on a peaceful protest at INEC headquarters to demand compliance with court rulings recognizing the Major Gilbert Agbo-led National Executive Committee of the party.
According to him, the planned protests had previously been suspended on two occasions to allow room for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the matter.
“We have exercised restraint and patience for a long time. However, our members can no longer tolerate what they perceive as continued disregard for court judgments. We will mobilise to INEC headquarters and remain there until the commission complies with the relevant court orders,” he said.
The party maintained that the leadership dispute within the NNPP had already been settled by judgments delivered by the Abia State High Court, the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo Division, and the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division.
The communiqué further alleged that INEC had failed to implement an order of mandamus reportedly issued by Justice Bello Kawu directing the commission to recognise the Major Agbo-led leadership.
The party described the alleged refusal to comply with court orders as a threat to the rule of law and democratic governance.
“INEC is expected to be an impartial electoral umpire. We are concerned about what we view as continued non-compliance with valid court judgments despite the fact that the leadership dispute has been resolved by the courts,” the statement said.
The NNPP also reaffirmed its commitment to participating in future elections, stating that the sale of nomination forms would continue pending the resolution of its dispute with INEC.
On the issue of political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, the party ruled out participation in any coalition arrangement.
According to the communiqué, the party believes many of the emerging coalitions are driven by personal and political grievances rather than a clear national development agenda.
“There is nothing wrong with seeking elective office, but political alliances should be based on ideas, policies, and national interest rather than personal vendettas. The NNPP will not be part of any coalition built on such foundations,” the party stated.
The party also urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to respect judicial decisions and uphold democratic principles, stressing that compliance with court orders remains essential to preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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