A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued orders preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) except the leadership headed by Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, a decision the party has strongly condemned.
The rulings, granted by Justice Bello Kawu on November 25 and 27, 2025, were in response to ex parte applications filed by a group identifying as the NNPP. The court directed that INEC must not engage with rival factions, specifically one led by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, citing existing court judgments that affirmed Major’s leadership. One order also granted the applicant’sNNPP group leave to seek a judicial review via mandamus, effectively staying any contrary actions by INEC.
In a swift response, the NNPP, led by figures including Rabiu Kwankwaso, denounced the judgments as legally flawed and politically motivated. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, argued the ruling represents a serious breach of judicial convention. It stated the case involves expelled members and concerns a matter already pending before the Court of Appeal in Owerri, meaning the FCT High Court should not have proceeded due to the sub judice rule.
The NNPP further accused the court of ignoring procedural irregularities, including claims of improper service of court processes. It contended the judgment undermines fair hearing principles and could damage public and international confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching. The party linked the ruling to a broader attempt to destabilise a major opposition party.
The conflict centres on a leadership dispute within the NNPP, with competing factions claiming legitimacy. The court’s intervention directly impacts INEC’s operational engagement with the party, a critical process for election preparations. The party has announced plans to appeal the decision, expressing confidence that higher courts will correct what it calls an anomaly.
This legal development highlights the persistent internal crisis within the NNPP and raises questions about the coherence of Nigeria’s multi-party system ahead of the next electoral cycle. The outcome of the appeal will be significant for the party’s participation in the 2027 polls and for clarifying jurisdictional limits between courts of equal rank.
