The leadership tussle within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has escalated, with National Chairman Agbo Major asserting that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and his faction remain expelled from the party, despite their rejection of a recent national convention.
Agbo Major’s Position
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Major defended the legitimacy of the Lagos convention held on February 4, 2025, where he was elected chairman. He stated that the convention was backed by a court ruling and included several critical decisions, such as:
- Ratification of all congresses from ward to zonal levels.
- Expulsion of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, and the Kwankwassiya group following the expiration of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the party.
- Rejection of the proposed new logo and approval to revert to the party’s original “basket of fruits on Nigerian map” logo.
- Election of a new National Working Committee led by Agbo Major.
- Submission of relevant documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for record updates.
Major called on the Kwankwassiya group to “peacefully exit” the party, asserting that their leaders have already sought alternatives.
Kwankwaso Faction’s Rejection
In response, the faction aligned with Rabiu Kwankwaso, led by Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the convention as illegitimate. Johnson emphasized that the Abia High Court’s judgment on November 1, 2024, mandated the Board of Trustees (BOT) under Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam to take charge of the party’s affairs pending the resolution of ongoing court cases.
Johnson outlined that the BOT had duly activated the party’s organs in line with the party’s constitution. He noted that the national convention, initially scheduled for January 22, 2025, was temporarily halted by an FCT High Court but later concluded on February 4, 2025, after the interim order expired.
Ongoing Legal and Political Implications
The NNPP remains in a state of uncertainty, with legal and political disputes threatening its stability. Both factions have made submissions to INEC, and the electoral body is expected to update its records in the coming days. The developments highlight the deepening internal crisis within the party, which could have significant implications for its political future.