NNPP leaders convene urgent Lagos summit to tackle INEC delays, party strategy

National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held a critical closed-door session in Lagos on Thursday, attended by national executives from across the country.

The meeting, which excluded journalists, included key figures such as Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and NNPP founder, National Chairman Dr. Agbo Major, and Secretary General Dr. Oginni Olaposi.

It commenced at 10 a.m. and concluded around 3 p.m.

In a post-meeting interview at his office in NAGAFF Headquarters, Apapa, Dr. Aniebonam revealed that the gathering addressed pressing party concerns.

A primary focus was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delay in updating the party’s new national executive list, hindering NNPP’s full participation in nationwide elections.

“We’ve repeatedly written to INEC, even urging a halt to elections until this matter is resolved to prevent potential litigation,” Aniebonam stated.

He further criticized INEC, noting, “This delay violates our constitutional rights as Nigerians to engage in the electoral process. Despite court directives from Abia and the Federal Capital Territory, INEC remains unresponsive.”

Aniebonam also highlighted discussions on the misuse of the NNPP’s name by expelled members and the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections. He disclosed, “We explored interest from presidential aspirants seeking to run on the NNPP platform.”

Regarding the party’s strategy, he clarified, “NNPP will field its own candidate in 2027 but remains open to alliances with like-minded parties. Unlike in 2023, our ticket won’t be handed to a single aspirant. All candidates will face mandatory primaries, ensuring a democratic selection process.”

Additionally, the meeting addressed plans for a nationwide membership drive, set to launch soon, to bolster the party’s grassroots support.