The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, has strongly refuted claims of an internal crisis within the party. He insisted that individuals presenting themselves as a faction lack legal standing within the organisation. Ajuji called the ‘crisis’ narrative a misinterpretation. He stated the dissenting group comprises expelled members. They are seeking relevance through legal challenges.
The Genesis of Internal Rift
Addressing inquiries about the alleged factional crisis, Ajuji clarified its origins. He explained that the rift began when certain party members received summons. They were to appear before a disciplinary committee for anti-party conduct. ‘Those claiming to be a faction were invited to answer for anti-party activities,’ Ajuji informed The PUNCH. ‘They refused to honour the invitation.’
This refusal, he added, led to their suspension by the National Working Committee. The party’s National Executive Committee later ratified this decision. Subsequently, the NEC presented the suspension to the National Convention. The convention then approved their expulsion from the NNPP.
Expelled Members Lack Legal Standing, Says Ajuji
The chairman firmly stated that these expelled members possess no legal or moral right to claim authority within the NNPP. This is according to both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. ‘They have no locus standi whatsoever in the party,’ Ajuji declared.
He advised Nigerians seeking clarification to consult the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). ‘Our names are in INEC records,’ he affirmed. ‘We are the ones who have consistently fielded candidates. We represent the legitimate leadership of the party.’
Legal Battles and Victories
Ajuji disclosed that the expelled group had filed numerous lawsuits nationwide. They aimed to reverse their dismissal. ‘We faced 18 cases from them at one point,’ he revealed. ‘They did not win a single one.’
He also recounted a controversial injunction obtained in Abia State. Ajuji described it as procedurally flawed. He noted that the NNPP received no notice or service during the legal process. ‘They secured an expedited ruling from an obscure court in Abia State,’ Ajuji explained. ‘Neither the court nor the petitioners served the NNPP with the proceedings.’
‘We were shocked to learn of an injunction restraining the NNPP and ordering the party’s handover to them,’ Ajuji asserted. He described the ruling as ‘null and void, completely ultra vires.’ The NNPP eventually challenged this ruling in the same Abia court. ‘The court thankfully set it aside,’ Ajuji confirmed. ‘It stated that we must be properly served before proceedings could continue. That is the current status of the Abia case.’
Abuja Suit on Jurisdiction
The chairman also discussed an NNPP suit filed in Abuja. It sought to permanently restrain the expelled members from acting as party officials. ‘We asked the court to bar them from claiming membership or authority,’ Ajuji stated. ‘But the judge ruled it was an internal party matter. She declared she had no jurisdiction.’
Ajuji criticized how the group interpreted this ruling. ‘They claimed this non-jurisdiction ruling as a victory,’ he said, dismissing their narrative. ‘I cannot understand how a ruling on jurisdiction translates to a legal win for them.’
No Controversy Over Congresses
Regarding alleged controversies around the NNPP’s ongoing congresses, Ajuji attributed the misinformation to the expelled group. ‘There is no controversy whatsoever regarding the congress,’ he affirmed. He then explained the realities of political party registration in Nigeria.
‘They claim the party was registered by one individual, and thus that person ‘owns’ the party. This is respectfully nonsense,’ Ajuji declared. He drew comparisons with established political parties. ‘Many PDP founders have left. Did the PDP cease to exist?’ he asked. ‘Political parties are not business ventures. Once INEC registers a group, it belongs to all Nigerians. Their claims are unfounded.’
Ajuji confirmed the ward congress began on Monday across the country. ‘No court has halted the process,’ he added. ‘We will continue according to the party constitution and electoral laws.’
NNPP Not Owned by Kwankwaso or Kwankwasiya Movement
Ajuji vehemently rejected claims that the NNPP is owned by the Kwankwasiya political bloc or its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso. ‘Any organisation can align with a political party,’ he clarified, ‘but that doesn’t imply ownership.’
He pointed out that various groups and movements support the NNPP, but none control it. ‘The National Movement joined the NNPP. Kwankwasiya is also involved,’ he noted. ‘But as national chairman, I belong to no specific bloc. The assertion that the party belongs to Kwankwasiya or any individual is false. I myself am independent of any group.’
Ajuji acknowledged Kwankwaso’s significant role. However, he stressed the party’s institutional authority above any individual. ‘Senator Kwankwaso is simply a registered member,’ Ajuji stated. ‘The National Working Committee (NWC) can discipline any member who violates party rules, including him.’
He added, ‘We value his contributions and recognise him as a key pillar. However, he does not own or control the NNPP.’
Understanding Party Funding
Ajuji also addressed party funding, noting that misunderstandings often spark internal disputes. ‘Political parties are not funded by one person,’ he explained. ‘They thrive on membership fees. This includes registration fees and monthly dues paid into party accounts.’
He emphasized, ‘The strength and sustainability of a party’s finances depend on its registered members. The NNPP is member-funded, from Kano across all wards in Nigeria’s South, East, West, and North.’
2027 Ambitions and Strategic Options
Ajuji asserted that recent defections would not undermine the NNPP’s 2027 ambitions. He described political loyalty as a personal choice. ‘Those leaving NNPP do so out of personal interest,’ he clarified, ‘not because the party has failed them. We bear no grudges.’
He likened politics to a volatile marketplace. ‘Today some leave; tomorrow thousands may arrive,’ Ajuji said. ‘We might see hundreds defect now, but next week, thousands from APC or PDP could join us. We will strive to win elections, irrespective of movements.’
Ajuji also outlined the NNPP’s broad strategic choices for the 2027 elections. He stated discussions are ongoing but remain flexible. ‘We have always considered several options for 2027,’ he revealed. ‘We could contest independently. We might form a coalition. Or we could support a strong candidate on our platform. Even joining the APC remains an option.’
He concluded, ‘Discussions are constantly in progress. We are engaging with various platforms and individuals to achieve our objectives, and many are also reaching out to us.’
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