The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revise its records regarding the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). In a recent statement, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) emphasized the importance of recognizing only those officers who have been duly elected in compliance with the party’s constitution.
Dr. Temitope Aluko, the BoT Chairman, underscored that prominent figures like Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and the entire former National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abbah Kawu have been expelled, with INEC duly informed of this development.
Aluko emphasized the supremacy of the NNPP’s constitution and urged INEC to respect the party’s internal affairs, highlighting that the constitution remains paramount for all members. He pointed out that while INEC holds the mandate and powers to regulate political parties, it should refrain from interfering in their internal administration.
The BoT Chairman outlined instances of alleged misconduct within the party, including corruption, lack of transparency, and high-handedness by the now-defunct NWC members. These issues ultimately led to the expulsion of certain individuals. Aluko stressed that the expulsion, subsequently ratified by the Party’s General Assembly, has been communicated to INEC, and the commission has acknowledged it, pledging to update its records.
In light of the ongoing dispute, Aluko raised concerns about INEC’s continued interaction with the expelled members, especially in the face of pending legal proceedings. He urged INEC to act neutrally towards all political parties and to demonstrate respect for their internal administration. Aluko also called upon the media to acknowledge the expulsion of Kwankwaso and the former NWC members and to refrain from portraying factionalism within the NNPP.
Furthermore, he emphasized the current principal officers of the NNPP, including Dr. Gilbert Agbo Major as the National Chairman, Comrade Ogini Samuel as the Secretary General, and Dr. TKO Aluko as the BoT Chairman. Aluko urged the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to operate independently from INEC, fostering genuine democracy in Nigeria.
With this latest development, the NNPP’s call to INEC and its efforts to address internal issues have set the stage for potential shifts in the party’s dynamics. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for INEC to uphold its regulatory role while respecting the autonomy of political entities. These developments within the NNPP could have far-reaching implications for political landscapes in Nigeria.