The faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) loyal to former presidential candidate Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reiterated its claim to the party’s leadership despite a court ruling that dismissed its legal challenge.

The group, led by Dr Ajuji Ahmed, reaffirmed that it remains in charge of the NNPP’s operations, arguing that the recent verdict did not affect the existing leadership structure.

The party has been entangled in a leadership tussle since after the 2023 general elections, with two rival camps laying claim to its control, a situation that has triggered internal chaos—particularly in Kano State, where the NNPP holds executive power.

Last week, the Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out a suit filed by the Ajuji-led camp challenging the legitimacy of another faction headed by Chief Boniface Aniebonam and the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major.

The plaintiffs, including Dr Ajuji and 20 others, asked the court to stop officials from the opposing camp from convening meetings or organizing party conventions, arguing that they had been expelled.

But in his ruling, Justice M.A. Hassan declined jurisdiction, stating that matters concerning internal party disagreements, including leadership and membership disputes, fall outside the scope of judicial determination.

“The position of the law, as upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, is clear: courts do not adjudicate on matters that fall within the internal affairs of a political party, except in cases relating to the nomination of candidates for elections,” Justice Hassan ruled.

The judgment did not clarify which faction holds legitimate authority, thereby prolonging the party’s leadership crisis.

Aniebonam’s camp claims victory

Members of the Aniebonam-led faction welcomed the court’s decision as validation of their leadership.

Factional Secretary Oginni Olaposi described the verdict as a win for internal party democracy.

“This verdict affirms the legitimacy of the NNPP leadership under Dr. Agbo Major and reestablishes the authority of our Board of Trustees, led by Chief Boniface Aniebonam. It sends a strong message that party matters should be resolved internally,” Olaposi said.

Segun Fiki, legal counsel to the defendants, echoed this stance.

“The court has spoken clearly—this matter is non-justiciable. The legitimate leadership of the NNPP has been affirmed and we now expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognise and engage with the party’s duly elected officials,” he said.

Kwankwaso camp dismisses claims of legitimacy

In a swift response, the Kwankwaso camp warned against misinterpreting the court’s decision.

Barrister Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the Ajuji-led faction, accused expelled members of spreading misinformation.

“Quite expectedly, some of the defendants in the suit—who remain expelled from the party—have rushed to misinform Nigerians by twisting the judgement. Contrary to their false claims, there was no pronouncement conferring legitimacy or authority on any so-called Board of Trustees,” Johnson asserted.

He maintained that the expulsion of Boniface Aniebonam, Agbo Major, Olaposi Oginni, and others—previously upheld by a Federal High Court on April 18, 2024—remains in force.

Referencing constitutional and electoral provisions, Johnson emphasized that leadership legitimacy rests with the body recognized by INEC.

“If you check with INEC or visit its portal, you won’t find the names of Boniface Aniebonam, Major Agbo, Olaposi Oginni, or their allies listed as members of the NNPP’s NWC,” he said.

“The judgment in question did not issue any directive to INEC or disturb the current status of the NNPP. The party’s management remains firmly under the leadership of Dr Ajuji Ahmed,” he added.