NNPP Challenges Defections, Says Kano Governor, 45 Lawmakers Still Members

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has challenged the purported resignations of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and 45 lawmakers elected on its platform in the 2023 general elections, insisting that they have not fulfilled the constitutional requirements for leaving the party.
The party stated this in a letter addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major, and National Secretary, Mr Oginni Olaposi, on Monday.
Titled “Purported Resignation of Membership of the NNPP by Certain Elected Public Office Holders—Formal Notice of Non-Compliance with the Party Constitution and Applicable Electoral Laws,” the letter urged the commission not to recognise the affected politicians’ purported resignations without examining the party’s membership records and the relevant legal provisions.
According to the NNPP, its constitution, as amended in 2023, prescribes procedures for members seeking to terminate their membership, adding that such requirements cannot be ignored by elected officials who secured their mandates through the party’s platform.
The party maintained that the affected politicians had not complied with the prescribed procedures and, consequently, their alleged resignations had not been validly effected.
It clarified that it did not oppose members’ decisions to join other political parties but insisted that such decisions must follow due process and comply with the party’s constitution and applicable electoral laws.
The NNPP particularly objected to any attempt by the affected politicians to claim membership of, or seek nomination under, another registered political party ahead of the 2027 general elections without properly completing the resignation process.
The party identified 18 members of the House of Representatives and 27 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, alongside Governor Yusuf, as among those whose purported exits it disputes.
It argued that a public declaration of an intention to leave the party or participation in the activities of another political party does not, in itself, establish compliance with its constitutional requirements.
The NNPP, therefore, urged INEC to formally acknowledge its objection and take it into consideration when processing relevant correspondence, party membership documentation and nomination-related matters involving the affected politicians.
It further warned that any attempt by the politicians to secure sponsorship or nomination from another party for the 2027 elections must be assessed in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and other applicable laws.
The party also reserved the right to pursue legal action to protect its interests, safeguard its membership records and challenge any decision it considers inconsistent with the law.
According to the NNPP, its national secretariat, through the appropriate party leadership, maintains the official membership register and is responsible for confirming the status of its members to INEC.
It consequently maintained that all the affected politicians remained NNPP members as of the time of the Abia State High Court’s judgment in Uzuakoli, unless subsequently cleared by the party’s national secretariat.
The party also cautioned that simultaneous membership of two political parties for electoral purposes would contravene applicable electoral laws and guidelines.
The dispute comes amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the NNPP seeking to ensure that any change in the political affiliation of officials elected on its platform complies with its constitution and the law.