The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard recent congresses. These congresses were announced by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. The NNPP labeled these actions as unconstitutional and invalid.

The party clarified its position in a statement issued on Monday. National Secretary Ogini Olaposi issued the statement. He insisted that NNPP’s court-ordered congresses had already concluded.

The NNPP dismissed the moves by Senator Kwankwaso and his group. They stated that the group lacks the legal standing to conduct any party exercise on behalf of the NNPP.

Kwankwaso’s Authority Questioned

According to the statement, the Memorandum of Association with the Kwankwasiyya Movement has expired. This agreement was entered into before the 2023 presidential election. Therefore, it no longer grants the group any authority within the party.

The party reiterated that Kwankwaso, its 2023 presidential candidate, remains expelled. Several members of the Kwankwasiyya faction were also expelled. This decision followed alleged anti-party activities.

“We are still amazed that a man of Kwankwaso’s standing will insist on hijacking a party that gave him a soft landing to contest the 2023 presidential election for free,” the statement read.

Court Orders Affirm Expulsion

The NNPP maintained that two courts have affirmed Kwankwaso’s expulsion. These include the Abia State High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court. They confirmed his and his group’s removal from the party’s internal processes.

“It is most unfortunate that Kwankwaso can be found conducting himself most disrespectfully to disobey and abuse court judgments,” the party stated. This highlights concerns about his disregard for judicial decisions.

The NNPP further accused INEC of failing to implement these judicial decisions. This is despite the commission being fully aware of the judgments.

Previous letters were sent to the commission demanding compliance. However, the NNPP said they received no acknowledgment of these communications.

“INEC’s past leadership failed us, and we are hoping that the present leadership shall distance itself from disobedience to the rule of law. We are still wondering why INEC has not responded to our letters demanding that judgments of the courts should be obeyed,” Olaposi stated.

The party stressed that INEC, as an electoral umpire, must not remain on the fence. This applies to matters of urgent importance and legal compliance.

Call for Peace and Compliance

The NNPP urged its members nationwide to ignore the Kwankwasiyya Movement’s planned congresses. They described them as fake. The party believes these actions are targeted at creating unrest within the political space.

“Under the circumstances, we shall continue to keep the peace of the society and direct members of our great party to disregard the fake congresses and conventions,” the statement added.

The party appealed once more to INEC. They asked the commission to help safeguard democracy. Ensuring that court directives are respected is crucial for Nigeria’s progress.

“Once again, we appeal to INEC to help democracy succeed and sustain in Nigeria. The Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration can only succeed if laws are obeyed and respected,” the NNPP concluded.