The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has disassociated itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled to take place on January 20, 2026, in Abuja and other states. In a statement issued from its National Secretariat in Abuja, the party denied any involvement in the protest, describing it as illegal and distancing itself from the organizers.
According to the statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the individuals behind the protest are not members of the NNPP. The party cited a Federal High Court judgment delivered on April 18, 2024, which upheld the expulsion of these individuals from the party. Despite the court’s ruling, the affected individuals have not appealed but have continued to seek court orders without a legal basis, a practice the NNPP described as “forum shopping.”
The NNPP emphasized that it is committed to lawful and democratic processes and has not organized any protest for January 20, 2026. The party called on its members nationwide to remain calm and avoid being provoked by actions aimed at distracting the NNPP from its objectives. The statement reiterated that the individuals behind the protest are impostors and not affiliated with the party.
The planned protest has raised concerns about the potential for disruption and unrest. The NNPP’s clarification is significant, as it seeks to reassure its members and the public that it remains committed to peaceful and democratic means of addressing grievances. The party’s stance is also a reminder of the importance of respecting the rule of law and the decisions of the judiciary.
As the protest’s organizers are not affiliated with the NNPP, it remains to be seen who is behind the planned demonstration and what their motivations are. The INEC and relevant authorities will likely be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that any protests or demonstrations are peaceful and do not disrupt the electoral process. The NNPP’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for political parties and their members to adhere to lawful and democratic practices, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
