NNPP Moves to Block Rival Factions From Accessing INEC Electoral Platforms

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restrict all electoral dealings concerning the party to its leadership recognised by the courts, warning against granting privileges to rival factions.

The request was made in a letter submitted to INEC by the party’s solicitors, Rex Firma LP, who argued that several court judgments had already settled the leadership dispute within the party.

In the letter made available to journalists on Saturday, the legal representatives urged the electoral commission to deny unauthorised individuals and groups access to nomination portals, authentication codes, candidate-upload platforms and other electoral processes reserved for political parties.

The lawyers maintained that only the leadership structure headed by the party’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, should be recognised for all electoral matters, citing existing court rulings in support of their position.

They also called on INEC to halt official communications with persons allegedly claiming to represent the party outside the recognised leadership framework, including individuals linked to the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

According to the solicitors, the courts had directed INEC to recognise officials elected during the NNPP National Convention held in Lagos in February 2025 and to reflect the party’s leadership in its official records.

The legal team argued that the judgments remain valid and binding, noting that the commission had not challenged the rulings through any successful appeal.

They warned that granting access to electoral platforms or recognising communications from rival groups could amount to a violation of court orders and undermine ongoing enforcement proceedings.

The lawyers further urged INEC to circulate the court decisions to relevant departments and officers responsible for political party administration and candidate nominations to ensure full compliance.

They cited judgments of the Federal Capital Territory High Court and the Court of Appeal in Owerri, which they said affirmed the authority of the NNPP Board of Trustees and the legitimacy of actions taken by the party's recognised leadership.

The solicitors expressed concern over reports that some individuals allegedly associated with other political organisations were still presenting themselves as representatives of the NNPP.

They insisted that such persons lacked the authority to nominate candidates, issue directives or act on behalf of the party, adding that any official engagement with them would contradict existing judicial pronouncements.

The letter concluded with a call on INEC to uphold the rule of law by recognising only the leadership affirmed by the courts pending any contrary decision from a higher judicial authority.