The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with court judgments relating to the party’s leadership dispute, warning that continued disregard for judicial decisions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Agbo Major, accused INEC of failing to implement valid court orders despite several judicial pronouncements on the party’s leadership structure.
Dr. Major said the NNPP had pursued lawful channels in resolving its internal crisis, which has been before various courts for over a year, resulting in judgments that affirmed the authority of the party’s leadership and governing organs.
According to him, the party conducted its ward, local government and zonal congresses in line with court directives and subsequently forwarded all relevant documents to INEC for recognition.
He alleged that despite receiving the documents, the electoral commission had continued to delay implementation of the court judgments, prompting the party to return to court for enforcement.
The NNPP chairman said a Federal Capital Territory High Court had issued a mandatory order directing INEC to comply with its judgment within a specified period, but claimed that the commission had yet to act several months later.
He questioned why INEC had not implemented the judgment despite not filing any appeal against the court’s decision.
Dr. Major also expressed concern over reports that individuals no longer recognised by the party were attempting to challenge the judgment and influence the commission’s actions.
He maintained that the dispute was no longer merely an internal party matter but one that touches on the rule of law and the credibility of democratic institutions.
The NNPP chairman disclosed that the party had initiated legal steps to compel compliance with the court order and would continue to pursue all constitutional means available to it.
He said the party had also engaged civil society organisations, diplomatic missions and development partners to draw attention to what it described as the implications of non-compliance with judicial decisions.
According to him, formal complaints had been submitted to several foreign missions and democracy-support organisations as part of efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
On preparations for the 2027 general election, Dr. Major clarified that the party had not yet adopted a substantive presidential candidate and that consultations with stakeholders were still ongoing.
He reaffirmed that the NNPP was not part of any political coalition and would continue to pursue its programmes independently while calling on INEC and all stakeholders to respect court orders and strengthen democratic governance in the country.
