Nigeria’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has escalated tensions with the country’s electoral commission, publicly accusing it of ignoring court orders and undermining democratic processes by refusing to recognize its newly elected leadership. In a sharply worded statement issued Friday, the party’s National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to update its records months after multiple court rulings affirmed the legitimacy of the NNPP’s current executives.
The dispute stems from a March 2025 national convention, conducted under a court directive, which saw Dr. Agbo Major elected as National Chairman and Olaposi as Secretary. High courts in Abuja and Abia State later validated the leadership in April, with judgments explicitly ordering INEC to formally recognize the changes. Despite three written appeals—submitted in April and July—the commission has yet to update its records, a delay the NNPP claims has paralyzed its operations and disrupted plans for upcoming elections.
Olaposi described INEC’s inaction as “deliberate defiance” of judicial authority, alleging the oversight has allowed expelled members, including former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, to falsely claim control of the party. Kwankwaso, who was removed from the NNPP in 2023, has recently criticized Nigeria’s federal government over allegations of marginalizing northern regions—statements the party dismissed as “provocative” and politically motivated.
“INEC’s negligence isn’t merely administrative—it’s a threat to our democracy,” Olaposi stated. “By tolerating baseless claims from unauthorized individuals, they’re eroding public trust in institutions meant to safeguard our electoral integrity.” The party warned that such lapses risk exacerbating political instability ahead of critical state and national votes, though INEC has yet to publicly address the allegations.
The NNPP, which has grown in prominence in recent years, emphasized its intent to pursue contempt charges against the commission if compliance is further delayed. Legal experts note that electoral body’s recognition of party leadership is critical for candidates to appear on ballots, amplifying the stakes of the standoff.
Nigeria’s judiciary has frequently intervened in political disputes, but enforcement of rulings remains a recurring challenge. Critics argue that INEC’s perceived reluctance to act risks emboldening factions seeking to exploit institutional weaknesses. The NNPP’s warning reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic resilience, particularly as regional tensions and legal battles complicate preparations for future elections.
“We will exhaust every legal avenue to ensure accountability,” Olaposi declared. “Nigerians deserve a electoral system that respects the rule of law, not one that enables chaos.” With no resolution in sight, the confrontation underscores the delicate balance between judicial authority and administrative execution in maintaining political order.
