A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others filed the suit challenging the legality of the party’s current leadership under its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major.
They sought to invalidate the authority of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees and its executive leadership, which included National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi, Deputy National Chairman, Chief Felix Chukwurah, and legal practitioner, Tony Obioha.
The plaintiffs had sought to restrain these officials from convening meetings, conducting congresses, or presiding over the party’s National Convention, arguing that they had been expelled from the NNPP.
Justice M.A. Hassan who gave the ruling said the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, saying the matter was an internal party matters which is outside judicial intervention.
Citing a clear position established by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Justice Hassan said courts do not adjudicate on internal party affairs, except in cases related to the nomination of candidates for elections.
“The position of the law, as upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, is clear: courts do not adjudicate on matters that fall within the internal affairs of a political party, except in cases relating to the nomination of candidates for elections,” the judge stated.
The ruling has effectively confirming that the Major-led leadership of the NNPP remains the legitimate authority overseeing the party.
The ruling also upheld an earlier one by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024) on November 1, 2024, which confirmed the NNPP’s Board of Trustees, led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, thus confirming the legitimacy of the party’s congresses and National Convention, which resulted in the election of the current leadership.
The Kwankwaso faction has expressed frustration with the ruling through its spokesperson Ladipo Johnson, who accused Major and Aniebonam of misleading the public.
Johnson said the lawsuit wasn’t aimed at Major or Aniebonam, but at individuals using the party’s name inappropriately.
“The judge, wrongfully, I believe, said this is an internal affair of the party. But does a lack of jurisdiction mean the same thing as affirming Major? They are just trying to spin it,” Johnson said, hinting at a forthcoming statement to clarify the faction’s stance on the issue.
Umoru Faruk Salifu
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