NNPP tells INEC to disregard Kwankwaso faction’s ‘illegal’ congresses

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Monday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public to ignore the congresses reportedly organised by the Kwankwasiyya faction led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting the exercise has no legal backing.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, the NNPP said all court-ordered congresses mandated for the party had already been duly conducted and concluded.

Kwankwaso’s camp had earlier written to INEC announcing plans to hold fresh congresses and a national convention from November 25 through January 2026. But the NNPP dismissed the move, stressing that the Memorandum of Understanding it once had with the Kwankwasiyya group ahead of the 2023 general election had since expired.

The party maintained that Kwankwaso—its 2023 presidential candidate—and several members of his faction remain expelled over alleged anti-party activities.

“We are shocked that someone of Kwankwaso’s stature is still attempting to forcefully take over a party that provided him a platform, free of charge, to contest the last presidential election,” the statement said.

The NNPP urged INEC to abide by existing court rulings and publish the party’s recognised leadership structure on its website. It noted that both the Abia State High Court and the FCT High Court had upheld the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his associates from the party’s internal processes.

“It is disheartening that Kwankwaso continues to act in open defiance of valid court judgments,” the party added, accusing previous INEC leadership of neglecting its responsibilities and expressing hope that the present commission will act differently.

The NNPP questioned why INEC has not responded to its multiple letters demanding enforcement of the relevant court orders.

“As an electoral umpire, INEC cannot remain neutral on matters that threaten public order and internal party democracy,” the statement insisted.

The party also alleged that despite being aware of the court decisions, INEC continues to entertain groups that could destabilise the political space.

It therefore directed its members nationwide to disregard what it described as “fake and unlawful congresses,” while appealing to INEC to ensure the rule of law prevails.

“For democracy to thrive and for the Renewed Hope Agenda to succeed, the laws of the land must be respected,” the NNPP concluded.