High Court Dismisses Kwankwaso Faction’s Suit Against NNPP Leadership

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has dismissed a lawsuit 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 suit, brought by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, sought to nullify the authority of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and executive leadership, including National Secretary Barr. Tony Christopher Obioha, Comrade Oginni Olaposi, and Deputy National Chairman Chief Felix Chukwurah. The plaintiffs also sought to prevent these leaders from convening meetings, organizing congresses, or overseeing the party’s National Convention, arguing that they had been expelled from the party.

Justice M.A. Hassan, however, ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, stating that issues concerning political party leadership and membership are internal affairs beyond judicial intervention.

“The law, as upheld by the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, is clear: courts do not interfere in internal party matters unless they involve the nomination of election candidates,” Justice Hassan said.

This ruling aligns with a previous decision by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024) on November 1, 2024, which reaffirmed the legitimacy of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees under Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and validated the party’s congresses and National Convention.

Counsel for the defendants, Segun Fiki Esq., welcomed the ruling, describing the case as an attempt to manipulate the party’s leadership through the judiciary.

“The court’s decision is unambiguous—this matter is beyond its jurisdiction. The NNPP’s legitimate leadership has been upheld, and we now expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize and cooperate with the duly elected officials,” Fiki stated.