In the midst of an internal leadership dispute within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), a faction has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update its records, emphasizing the expulsion of key figures, including Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. The NNPP faction, led by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Temitope Aluko, insists that figures like Kwankwaso and the previous National Working Committee (NWC) members, headed by Alhaji Abbah Kawu, have been formally expelled.
Dr. Aluko, in a statement, reiterated the party’s commitment to its constitution and urged the media to recognize only those officials duly elected according to the NNPP constitution. He reminded INEC that the party’s internal matters should be resolved by its governing bodies, asserting that the commission lacks the authority to interfere in such affairs.
The NNPP faction highlighted the supremacy of the party’s constitution, emphasizing that while INEC has the mandate to register and regulate political parties, it should refrain from meddling in internal party administration, as it could infringe on the constitutional rights of association.
Dr. Aluko pointed out the powers of the NNPP Board of Trustees to address internal matters and expressed concern over the unceremonious exit of former party officials due to issues like corruption, high-handedness, and lack of transparency. The faction claims that the expulsion of these individuals has been duly communicated to INEC.
Despite the matter being pending before a Federal High Court, the faction expressed surprise that INEC continues to engage with expelled members, urging the commission to act impartially and respect the internal decisions of political parties.
The NNPP faction also urged the media to refrain from referring to any faction within the party, asserting that Kwankwaso and other expelled members no longer hold official positions. Dr. Gilbert Agbo Major, Comrade Ogini Samuel, and Dr. TKO Aluko were mentioned as the new principal officers of the NNPP.
The faction suggested that INEC, like the judiciary, should play a role in upholding democratic values, the rule of law, and conflict resolution in Nigeria. They called for the autonomy of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) without undue influence from INEC, emphasizing the promotion of genuine democracy in the country.
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