The lingering leadership crisis within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has finally been laid to rest following a decisive judgement by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja. The ruling, delivered on March 17, 2026, by Justice Kawu, has been widely described by the party’s national leadership as a landmark victory for internal democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
In an official statement released shortly after the judgement, the National Secretary of the NNPP, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, speaking on behalf of the party’s national headquarters, commended the judiciary for what he termed its “unbiased posture” and commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
According to the statement, the court’s ruling effectively resolves the protracted leadership tussle that had polarized the party. Justice Kawu, in his decision, issued a compelling order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognize and upload the National Working Committee led by Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major. The leadership is said to be aligned with the party’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam.
Describing the judgement as a watershed moment, Oginni stated that it reaffirms the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership structure and brings clarity to months of internal disputes. He noted that the ruling not only validates the outcome of the party’s congresses and national convention but also reinforces the authority of the founding leadership.
The NNPP leadership used the opportunity to reiterate its confidence in the judiciary, describing it as the “last hope of the common man.” The statement emphasized that the court’s intervention has restored order within the party and safeguarded its constitutional processes.
The crisis, which had drawn significant public attention, stemmed from a leadership dispute involving former presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and a faction led by Dr. Ajuji. The group had challenged the legitimacy of the congresses and convention that produced the current national executives.
However, the party maintained that these processes were duly conducted under the authority of the Board of Trustees led by Dr. Aniebonam. The dispute first reached a legal turning point on April 4, 2025, when Justice M.A. Hassan of the FCT High Court dismissed a suit filed by the opposing faction. That judgement upheld the validity of the convention that produced Dr. Agbo Major as National Chairman and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday as National Secretary.
Despite the earlier ruling, the party leadership expressed dissatisfaction with INEC’s delay in reflecting the recognized executives on its official portal. This development prompted the Board of Trustees to seek a judicial review, culminating in the latest ruling by Justice Kawu.
With the court now issuing a direct order to INEC, the NNPP leadership expressed optimism that full compliance will follow without further delay, thereby consolidating stability within the party.
Political observers note that the resolution of the crisis comes at a critical time as political parties begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections. The NNPP, now with a unified leadership, is expected to refocus its efforts on strengthening its structures and expanding its political influence nationwide.
For many stakeholders, the judgement serves as a reminder of the crucial role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes and upholding democratic principles. As the NNPP turns a new page, attention is expected to shift from internal conflicts to policy direction and electoral strategy in the months ahead.
