The internal crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) seems to be nowhere close to the end.
With fresh levels of controversy emerging daily, the internal crisis continues to deepen.
The NNPP has been embroiled in a deepening crisis, marked by the expulsion of Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and members of the Kwankwasiya group by a faction of the party.
As a matter of fact, members of the Kano State chapter has warned Governor Yusuf to curtail Kwankwaso’s influence within the party.
Perhaps, this influence was what led to the crisis in the first place.
One could be tempted to believe so because of what was detailed in a statement released by the NNPP.
Kwankwaso Remains Expelled
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq asserted that Kwankwaso and his group had been expelled.
However, it was echoed that any attempts by Kwankwaso to act on behalf of the national executive constituted “irresponsibility and impersonation.”
The NWC emphasised that the expelled individuals held no legitimate positions within the party.
Central to the controversy is the Abia State High Court’s directive.
That directive mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transfer the party’s administration to the Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, per the NNPP’s 2022 constitution.
The Visit
However, in the midst of this chaos, the former presidential candidate of the party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, took out time to visit Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
Little did he know that this visit will mark the beginning of fresh troubles.
Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP on Sunday condemned that visit.
After Kwankwaso’s visit to Otti, the NWC conveyed an emergency meeting at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
There, they described Kwankwaso’s November 9 visit as a “deceptive ploy” linked to an Abia State High Court ruling affecting the party’s internal structure.
Additionally, the NWC urged Governor Otti to steer clear of the NNPP’s internal disputes.
They warned him against Kwankwaso’s alleged attempts to “destabilise” the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Governor Otti is a democrat who respects the rule of law, and we trust he understands the separation of powers,” the statement noted.
Disguised Political Meetings
Meanwhile, the NWC stated that Kwankwaso should seek redress through legal channels rather than “disguised” political meetings.
“The judgment binds INEC, which is mandated to regulate political parties and their activities,” the statement read, urging legal pursuit over political manoeuvres.
Also Read: Kwankwaso@68: “My Best And Cherished Legacy As Kano Governor Was…” Kwankwaso
Furthermore, the NWC also criticised Kwankwaso’s recent address to newly appointed police officers in Abia State.
To the party, his call for a “fear of God” was hypocritical given his actions in Kano and within the NNPP.
“Had he truly adhered to this principle, he would not have attempted to hijack the party for personal gain,” the NWC remarked.
Meanwhile, Dr. Aniebonam’s position as the BoT chairman and NNPP founder was reaffirmed by the NWC.
To them, the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group was final and aimed at restoring peace within the party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, INEC alone has the locus standi to appeal the court’s compelling order.
Kwankwaso and his group’s expulsion is final, restoring peace within the party,” the statement concluded.