The Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Katsia State, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, has dismissed claims of any factional divisions within the party, asserting that the NNPP remains united at both state and national levels.
Speaking to journalists in Katsina on Monday, Abdulkadir urged the public to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise and to recognise the party’s undivided status.
He referred to the Federal High Court judgement delivered on 18 April 2024, which upheld the expulsion of Mr Boniface Aniebonam and others from the party. Abdulkadir stressed that the ruling remains valid and has not been overturned, affirming that the court’s decision clearly indicated there is no faction within the NNPP.
According to him, while the court declined jurisdiction on the substantive matter and refrained from commenting on its merits, it also did not acknowledge the legitimacy of the board of trustees involved in the dispute.
“The court ruled that the dispute was internal, and the expulsion of Aniebonam and others remains unchanged by the judgment,” Abdulkadir added.
He further clarified that the composition of the National Working Committee (NWC) is regulated by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended. Abdulkadir highlighted Section 222 (1) (a), which requires political parties to submit the names and addresses of their NWC members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also cited Sections 81 and 83 of the Electoral Act 2022, which oblige political parties to keep INEC updated with accurate records.
“If you check the INEC portal, you will not find the names of Aniebonam, Major, Oginni, or their associates as NWC members of the NNPP,” he stated.
The Chairman added that INEC had distanced itself from the individuals in question, stating in court that it had no record of their political activity within the party.
He concluded by noting that the court did not make any order affecting the NNPP’s status, nor did it direct INEC to amend the party’s official records.
“Thus, the party’s leadership remains under Mr Ajuji Ahmed,” Abdulkadir affirmed.