By OLA MODUPE , Lagos-
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly update its records of political parties and their legitimate leadership to avoid future disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos by the NNPP National Secretary, Dr. Ogini Olaposi, the party emphasized the need for INEC to act decisively to maintain transparency and prevent confusion.
The NNPP highlighted growing controversies over the authentic leadership of INEC-recognized political parties.
“As the political umpire, INEC must be seen to do the right thing and save Nigerians from issues that may arise from a heated polity,” the party stated, adding, “Let those aspiring to political offices know the leaderships. There is no gain for democracy from prolonged and unnecessary litigations.”
The party expressed concern over INEC’s failure to update its website with the NNPP’s current leadership, which has sparked questions among members.
“Questions are beginning to mount over the troubling silence and inaction of INEC in the face of clear, binding court judgments affirming the new leadership of the NNPP under Dr. Agbo Major and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam,” the statement read.
The NNPP noted that on November 1, 2024, the Abia State High Court issued a ruling recognizing the BoT as the lawful authority within the party, a decision later upheld by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Despite being served and included in the lawsuits, INEC has not reflected these changes. “The delay in obeying a court order is not just administrative negligence; it hints at systemic sabotage,” the party asserted.
The NNPP warned that INEC’s inaction risks enabling political manipulators to destabilize the democratic process.
“The moment INEC updates and recognizes the authentic leaderships of parties, the cards of those misleading the populace will collapse,” the party stated, emphasizing that such delays could allow undeserving individuals to hijack parties or sow discord.
“There is a lot of political scheming going on across parties that must be stopped to give the right people the opportunity to emerge on the right platforms,” it added.
Urging INEC to uphold its responsibility, the NNPP stressed that Nigeria’s democratic integrity depends on adherence to court rulings.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic. The Renewed Hope Agenda cannot thrive where institutions trample on court judgments,” the party declared, expressing hope that INEC’s chairman would safeguard his reputation by ensuring compliance at this critical juncture.
