By Muhammad Mamman
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has issued a scathing rebuke of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of undermining democracy by refusing to recognize its new leadership despite multiple court rulings. In a fiery statement released Friday, the NNPP warned that INEC’s delays are not only disrupting the party’s operations but also emboldening expelled members to destabilize Nigeria’s political landscape.
The controversy centers on INEC’s failure to update its website with the NNPP’s new leadership, including Dr. Agbo Major as national chairman and Ogini Olaposi as national secretary, as mandated by a Federal Capital Territory High Court ruling on April 3, 2025. The court’s decision, which followed a party convention in March, also received validation from the Abia State High Court. Yet, INEC’s inaction has sparked outrage within the NNPP, which calls the delay a “dangerous assault” on Nigeria’s judiciary and constitutional democracy.
“This is the third time we’ve reminded INEC of its obligations,” Olaposi said in the statement. “Their persistent refusal to comply with binding judicial pronouncements is administrative negligence that threatens our ability to participate fully in upcoming elections.”
The NNPP, a rising political force with strong grassroots support, argues that INEC’s inaction is enabling expelled members, including former presidential candidate Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, to falsely claim leadership of the party. The NNPP alleges these individuals are exploiting the confusion to make inflammatory statements against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including accusations of marginalizing northern Nigeria in infrastructure development.
“These expelled members are using INEC’s lapses to weaken our party and sow political unrest,” Olaposi said. “Their unguarded utterances, falsely made in NNPP’s name, risk plunging Nigeria into instability.”
The NNPP has repeatedly urged INEC to act, citing letters sent to the commission on April 11, April 14, and July 30, 2025. The party warns that the ongoing delays could erode public confidence in INEC as Nigeria’s electoral umpire, with far-reaching consequences for the nation’s democracy.
“Nigerians and the international community are watching,” the NNPP declared. “We will not be silenced or intimidated. If INEC continues to defy the law, we will pursue every constitutional measure, including contempt proceedings, to ensure justice prevails.”
