Founder And Board Of Trustees Write INEC, Take Charge Amid Leadership Crisis In NNPP
Founder And Board Of Trustees Write INEC, Take Charge Amid Leadership Crisis In NNPP
NNPP Founder,and life Board member,Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam
By Frank Odinukaeze
In a bold move to restore stability and unity within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and members of the Board of Trustees have written the Independent National Electoral commission INEC,announcing their decision to take over the party’s affairs.
In a letter titled :
“NOTICE OF THE PLANS OF THE FOUNDER, DR BONIFACE ANIEBONAM AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO TAKE OVER THE AFFAIR OF THE NEW NIGERIA PEOPLE’S PARTY IN VIEW OF CURRENT LEADERSHIP DISPUTE IN THE PARTY AND SEVERAL COURT CASES” written by Templum Solicitors, Lawyers to Dr Aniebonam’ and members of the board of trustees of the party,and addressed to the INEC Chairman , Professor Yakubu Mahmoud,dated 3 April, 2024,Dr Aniebonam stated that this decision comes in the wake of a prolonged leadership dispute that has plagued the NNPP since the conclusion of the general elections.
The NNPP has been embroiled in internal strife following the expulsion of its presidential candidate, Alh. Musa Kwankwaso, and the subsequent dissolution of the Abba Kawu-led executive. The party’s leadership crisis escalated, leading to multiple court cases and leaving potential members uncertain about which faction to align with.
In an emergency meeting held in Lagos on September 22, 2024, the Board of Trustees resolved to take decisive action. Article 12.3.4 (a) of the NNPP’s 2022 constitution empowers the founder and the board to step in during such crises. Their primary goal is to maintain party cohesion while awaiting the final resolution of the legal disputes.
Speaking on behalf of the founder and the board, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam emphasized the importance of preserving the NNPP’s integrity. “Our party has a rich history and a commitment to serving the Nigerian people,” he stated. “We cannot allow internal divisions to weaken our resolve. By assuming responsibility, we aim to keep the NNPP intact and ready for the challenges ahead.”Aniebonam submitted.
