The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to uphold the rule of law and questioned the suitability of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to oversee preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Agbo Major, alleged that certain interests were working to create confusion over the legitimate leadership structure of the NNPP despite ongoing legal processes and judicial pronouncements.
Major said the party remained a law-abiding political organisation governed by its constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, insisting that issues relating to membership, discipline and leadership should be determined through established procedures rather than personal interests.
According to him, the party was concerned that some individuals and groups whose status within the NNPP remained under dispute continued to enjoy recognition in certain quarters.
He alleged that remnants of the Kwankwasiyya political structure were still operating within and around the party in ways that undermine unity and stability.
“The NNPP maintains that certain individuals who continue to parade themselves as representatives of the party no longer speak for the legitimate leadership of the organisation,” he said.
Major urged institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy to remain neutral, impartial and committed to the rule of law, stressing that democratic governance could only thrive where public institutions operate without fear or favour.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as the continued recognition of groups and individuals whose positions had been challenged through legal processes.
“As democrats, we believe that court decisions and due process should guide the conduct of every institution involved in the electoral process,” he stated.
The NNPP chairman said the party’s position was not motivated by personal animosity but by a commitment to protecting the integrity of the party and ensuring consistency in the application of democratic principles.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he warned that unresolved political disputes could undermine future alliances and democratic stability.
He called on political actors seeking collaboration ahead of the elections to ensure transparency and clarity in their engagements.
Major also urged the judiciary to continue discharging its constitutional role as the last hope of the common man, particularly in situations involving alleged disregard for court decisions.
He was particularly critical of INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, accusing him of failing to comply with a court order directing the commission to act within a specified period.
According to him, the alleged failure to comply with the order more than 90 days after it was issued raised questions about the commission’s commitment to the rule of law.
“It is our opinion that Prof. Amupitan does not have the courage and competence to occupy such a sensitive position considering the fragile nature of the 2027 general election,” Major said.
He further alleged that turning the commission into what he described as “a court against lawful judgments” amounted to a violation of the statutory role of the judiciary and should not be allowed to stand.
The NNPP chairman urged the courts to protect their jurisdiction and uphold the rule of law, which he described as a critical pillar of sustainable democracy and public order.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to national unity, economic prosperity, social justice and good governance, Major said the NNPP would continue to pursue lawful means to protect its identity, integrity and future.
He also appealed to party supporters across the country to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process.
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