A faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has declared its intention to appeal a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court judgment that recognised Dr. Agbo Major as the party’s legitimate National Chairman. The faction, through its National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, described the ruling as a “miscarriage of justice” and “an assault on democracy” in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
The factional leadership argues that the FCT High Court overstepped its judicial authority by reviewing a matter already pending before the Abia State High Court and the Court of Appeal in Owerri. Johnson asserted that the group behind the lawsuit, which he identified as expelled members acting for Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, violated the principle of sub judice—which restricts public commentary on active cases—and disregarded the hierarchy of courts. He contended the action was strategically timed to destabilise the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, Johnson criticised the court for alleged procedural failures, stating the NNPP was never properly served with the court documents. This, he said, compromised the constitutional right to a fair hearing and raised serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process. The faction warns that the judgment risks damaging both public and international trust in Nigeria’s judiciary at a pivotal moment for the nation’s democratic development.
“This is merely a temporary detour orchestrated by those who fear the people’s will,” Johnson said, reassuring party members. He confirmed the faction would pursue all necessary appellate channels to overturn the decision, expressing confidence that higher courts would “correct this anomaly and uphold the rule of law.” He concluded that the attempt to seize control of the party would fail, stating, “Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than the desperation of a few.”
The legal dispute underscores the ongoing internal crisis within one of Nigeria’s leading opposition parties. The faction’s pledge to appeal prolongs a leadership conflict that has persisted through multiple court battles. The outcome of the appellate process is expected to have significant implications for the NNPP’s cohesion and its strategic positioning for the 2027 elections, while also testing judicial adherence to procedural norms in politically sensitive cases.
