The leadership crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has escalated following a controversial convention in Lagos, where Agbo Major emerged as the party’s national chairman.
At a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Major defended the legitimacy of the convention, stating that it was conducted in line with legal and constitutional requirements. He revealed that the gathering ratified key decisions, including the expulsion of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and the rejection of a proposed new party logo.
The convention, which took place at RockView Hotel in Apapa, was attended by delegates and party officers from across the country. However, prominent figures such as Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Kwankwaso were absent, fueling controversy over the event’s credibility.
Ajuji Ahmed, another factional leader, has dismissed the convention as illegitimate, insisting that he remains the rightful chairman of the party. He however accused Major’s faction of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership through unconstitutional means.
In response, Major cited a court ruling from November 1, 2024, which, according to him, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the party’s Board of Trustees, led by Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, as the rightful authority. He argued that the ruling empowered the board to reorganize the party’s structure and convene the convention.
He further stated that the congresses leading up to the national convention began on January 13, 2024, starting from ward levels and progressing to local government, state, and zonal levels. While the national convention was initially scheduled for January 22, 2025, it was temporarily halted due to an interim order from an FCT High Court.
