The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Monday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public to disregard the purported congresses announced by the Kwankwasiya Movement led by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing the initiative as unconstitutional and of no effect.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, the party said the NNPP-court-ordered congresses had already been held and concluded in line with existing judicial directives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kwankwaso-led group had written to INEC to notify the commission of plans to conduct fresh congresses and a national convention from November 25 to January 2026.
The NNPP, however, insisted that the group has no authority to conduct congresses on behalf of the party, noting that the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Kwankwasiya Movement before the 2023 presidential election had since expired.
According to the statement, Kwankwaso, its 2023 presidential candidate, and some members of the Kwankwasiya group remain expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities.
“We are still amazed that a man of Kwankwaso’s standing insists on hijacking a party that offered him a platform, free of charge, to contest the 2023 presidential election,” the NNPP said.
The party urged INEC to uphold court orders and immediately update its website to reflect the authentic leadership of the NNPP.
“The Abia State High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court affirmed the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group from the NNPP’s internal democratic processes.
“Unfortunately, he continues to conduct himself in a manner that disrespects and abuses court judgments,” the party added.
The NNPP also criticised the Commission for what it described as a lack of timely response to its letters seeking enforcement of judicial pronouncements.
“As an umpire, INEC cannot continue to sit on the fence. It must not encourage actions capable of causing a crisis in our democracy,” it stated.
The party further urged its members nationwide to disregard what it called “fake congresses and conventions” allegedly being organised by the Kwankwasiya Movement.
“Once again, we appeal to INEC to help democracy succeed. The Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration can only thrive where laws are obeyed and respected,” the statement added.
(NAN)
