The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has reaffirmed that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remain active members, refuting reports of their suspension or expulsion.
Speaking during an interview with News Central on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, clarified that only the faction led by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, which is officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has the authority to represent the NNPP.
“That party has neither expelled nor suspended Abba Kabir Yusuf or Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson stated.
He further explained, “A legitimate political party must be the one duly registered with INEC under the Constitution and Electoral Act. Those making contrary claims are not a recognized party but merely a faction or group.”
The statement comes amid an ongoing leadership tussle within the NNPP, with different factions making conflicting declarations regarding the party’s key figures.
Johnson reiterated that the faction led by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed remains the legally recognized leadership.
“For clarity, INEC recognizes the NNPP under Dr. Ajuji Ahmed as chairman and myself, Ladipo Johnson, as publicity secretary. That is the legal standing as of today,” he emphasized.
Addressing the origins of the party’s internal crisis, Johnson revealed that Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, a founding member, attempted to override decisions made by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“We reached a point where Dr. Aniebonam insisted, ‘I am the founder, and I can overrule the NEC or NWC’s decisions.’ We disagreed and subsequently suspended him. Even Kwankwaso was unaware of this move initially. That’s how the crisis escalated,” Johnson explained.