The crisis rocking the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) took a new turn on Monday as a faction of the party accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of repeatedly disobeying court judgments and undermining democratic processes in Nigeria.
Speaking at a world press conference, NNPP Secretary-General Comrade Oginni Olaposi claimed that democracy remains “under threat” so long as INEC continues to “disrespect judicial pronouncements” and operate with what he described as “systemic corruption”.
Olaposi alleged that the commission’s conduct over the years has made it difficult for Nigerians to elect leaders of their choice, insisting that INEC’s actions contribute to unemployment, insecurity, and poor governance across the country.
He stated that while the retirement of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, brought relief to many Nigerians, the commission still retains several officials who, he claimed, were involved in violations under the previous leadership.
According to him, the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is now “under a litmus test of integrity and respect for rule of law,” adding that the commission must be overhauled if it hopes to regain public trust.
The NNPP faction further accused INEC of altering the party’s logo and colours “without sighting the original certificate,” and of failing to comply with two court judgments that it said affirmed its leadership.
Olaposi also alleged that some INEC officials have held meetings with individuals he described as “illegal actors,” claiming that “monetary inducements” were involved in past disputes over party records, congresses, and conventions. He emphasised that these allegations are verifiable.
He accused the 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, and the Dr. Ahmed Ajuji-led National Working Committee of persistently “blackmailing and intimidating judges and INEC officials”.
The faction said that a pending judicial review case has been filed before an FCT High Court asking INEC to explain why it has not obeyed rulings that, according to them, recognise Dr. Agbo Major Gilbert and Comrade Oginni as the legitimate leaders of the party.
Olaposi condemned what he called the “impunity” of the Kwankwasiyya group for writing INEC to notify the commission of planned congresses and a national convention for 2025/2026 despite the ongoing case.
He warned that the faction would hold the INEC Chairman in contempt if the commission sends representatives to what he described as “an illegal convention”.
The NNPP faction also issued a caution to Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, urging him not to engage politically with Kwankwaso or his associates, whom they insist were expelled from the party for anti-party activities — an expulsion which they say has been affirmed by courts.
“Any politician dealing with them in the name of NNPP is building on nothing”, Oginni said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission and those accused in the statement had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.