Leadership Conflict in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is currently experiencing a leadership crisis, with different factions vying for control and legitimacy. At the center of this conflict is Senator Mas’ud Eljibril, the factional chairman of the NNPP. He has recently called on Kano Governor Abba Yusuf to formally notify the “legally recognized” NNPP before he officially joins the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eljibril emphasized that his faction, which uses a basket with fruits as its logo, is the authentic representation of the party. This claim was reinforced by a court ruling from last year, which affirmed the legitimacy of his faction in Kano.
Court Rulings and Legal Claims
During a press conference in Kano, Eljibril presented several court judgments to journalists, asserting that his faction is the true NNPP in Nigeria. He also stated that Governor Yusuf remains a bona-fide member of the party.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is still a bonafide member of the NNPP that has a basket with fruits as its logo,” Eljibril said. “We are calling on INEC to respect the judgments of all the courts that were delivered last year on this issue.”
He further explained that while Governor Yusuf has the legal right to leave the party, he must do so through formal channels. “If he wants to leave, he has the legal right to leave, but he has to formally tender his resignation to the party, which we are yet to receive formally.”
Calls for Respect and Legal Compliance
Eljibril stressed that membership in any political party is an individual decision. However, he added that if Yusuf chooses to leave, it must be done according to the party’s rules and regulations.
“We are still waiting for his formal resignation from our party. To be a member of any political party is an individual decision. If he decides to leave the party, it’s his choice, but he has to do that according to the rules and regulations to the party,” he said.
The factional NNPP has also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the court rulings. The party warned that ignoring these requirements could lead to future legal consequences, especially if a Supreme Court decision later confirms the legitimacy of their claims.
Internal Struggles Within the Rival Faction
Meanwhile, the rival NNPP faction, which uses books as its logo, is facing its own internal battles. This has led to the emergence of two state chairmen, highlighting the deepening divisions within the party.
As a result of the ongoing crisis surrounding Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC, former NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, who was aligned with Kwankwaso, was sacked at the governor’s prompting. In response, the governor swiftly appointed Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as his replacement.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Implications
The situation within the NNPP reflects broader challenges faced by political parties in Nigeria, where internal conflicts often escalate into public disputes. The legal battles and factional struggles underscore the importance of clear governance structures and adherence to party rules.
With the upcoming elections approaching, the outcome of these internal disputes could significantly impact the party’s performance and influence. The calls for legal compliance and respect for court rulings suggest that the NNPP is determined to assert its legitimacy, regardless of the challenges ahead.
