Court Dismisses Kwankwaso’s suit challenging leadership of NNPP
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has dismissed a suit filed by a faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, challenging the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) under Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and National Chairman Dr. Agbo Major.
The case, filed by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, sought to invalidate the authority of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and its executive leadership, including Barr. Tony Christopher Obioha, Comrade Oginni Olaposi (National Secretary), and Chief Felix Chukwurah (Deputy National Chairman).
The claimants asked the court to restrain these officials from convening meetings, conducting congresses, or presiding over the party’s National Convention, arguing that they had been expelled from the NNPP.
Justice M.A. Hassan ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit, stating that leadership and membership issues within a political party are internal matters.
“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 nomination of candidates for elections,” Justice Hassan stated.
The ruling aligns with an earlier decision by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024), delivered on November 1, 2024, which had reinstated the NNPP’s Board of Trustees led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.
That judgment also upheld the legitimacy of the party’s congresses and National Convention.
Counsel to the defendants, Segun Fiki Esq., welcomed the ruling, describing the case as an attempt to alter the party’s leadership through legal means.
“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 recognize and cooperate with the party’s duly elected officials,” he said.
