The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s failure to update the party’s leadership on its official website is significantly hindering its nationwide membership drive. In a statement released on Thursday in Lagos, Aniebonam expressed concern that this administrative delay is undermining the party’s ability to comply with INEC’s directive for electronic membership registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aniebonam highlighted that the progress of the e-registration exercise has been stifled by the ongoing leadership face-off with the group led by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. He specifically noted that INEC is yet to comply with a court order directing it to recognize the National Working Committee led by Dr. Agbo Major. This lack of official recognition has already led to the party failing to field candidates in previous elections, a situation the founder described as both regrettable and embarrassing for the organization.
The continued uncertainty is reportedly creating skepticism among political aspirants regarding the NNPP’s viability for the 2027 ballot. Aniebonam remarked that while the party had hoped for a swift resolution following changes within the electoral commission’s leadership, the stalemate persists. Despite these hurdles, he confirmed that the NNPP’s registration portal is open and urged stakeholders to remain patient while the party seeks to resolve its standing with the commission.
The statement also addressed the recent departure of high-profile members, including Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State. Aniebonam acknowledged that the exit of the governor and others was understandable given the escalating legal battles, but he maintained that the party remains optimistic about a stronger performance in the next election cycle. He expressed hope that those who left during the wave of defections would return once the leadership issues are fully settled.
Reiterating the party’s hardline stance on discipline, Aniebonam confirmed that Senator Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima remain expelled. He emphasized that these disciplinary actions were necessary to demonstrate that anti-party activities carry severe consequences, regardless of a member’s standing. The founder concluded by expressing confidence that INEC would eventually update its records, allowing the party to consolidate its structure and focus on the 2027 campaign.
