The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has strongly reacted to what it described as an unlawful and controversial judgment delivered by Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court in Apo.
On Tuesday, the court issued fresh orders directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise only the faction of the NNPP led by Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, restraining it from engaging with any other group within the party.
The orders stemmed from two separate ex parte applications filed by the NNPP, in which the party accused a rival faction led by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed of attempting to mislead INEC despite existing court rulings affirming the leadership of Dr. Agbo Major.
In an earlier ruling delivered on November 25, 2025, the court granted the NNPP permission to seek a judicial review through mandamus, stating that the approval would act as a stay on any opposing actions or recognition by INEC or other parties regarding the party’s leadership.
Reacting to the development, the NNPP faction aligned with Rabiu Kwankwaso, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, condemned the judgment, describing it as a troubling development in Nigeria’s judicial system.
The party further criticized the ruling as an example of judicial overreach, arguing that a court of equal jurisdiction had improperly attempted to override the decision of another High Court in Abia State, contrary to established legal principles and the doctrine of stare decisis.
“The facts are clear: a group of expelled members, acting as puppets for Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, approached the FCT High Court seeking a ‘Judicial Review’ of a matter already pending before the Court of Appeal, Owerri,” the statement said.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of sub judice proves that these individuals are not seeking justice, but are part of a grand, desperate scheme to destabilize one of the viable opposition parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The court’s decision to proceed despite clear evidence that the NNPP was never served with court processes is a fatal blow to the principle of fair hearing. By ignoring our affidavit stating that substituted service was effected at an address not recognized by INEC, the court has signaled a worrying lack of interest in procedural integrity.
“This judgment will further erode the confidence of Nigerians and the international community in our judiciary. At a time when the world is watching Nigeria’s democratic progress, such ‘black market’-like judgments suggest a coordinated attempt by desperate elements to stifle opposition and compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
“To our members and the Nigerian people: Do not be discouraged. The NNPP remains a fortress. This is merely a temporary detour orchestrated by those who fear the people’s will.
“We are immediately taking all necessary legal steps to appeal this miscarriage of justice. We have absolute confidence that the appellate courts will rectify this anomaly and uphold the sanctity of the law.
“The grand scheme to hijack this party will fail. Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than the desperation of a few.”
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