The last is yet to be heard of the crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as an Abuja Federal High Court dismissed a suit filed by a faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, challenging the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership under its founder, Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major.

The case, filed by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, aimed to invalidate the authority of the NNPP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and its executive leadership, including Barr. Tony Christopher Obioha, Comrade Oginni Olaposi (National Secretary), and Chief Felix Chukwurah (Deputy National Chairman).

The claimants had asked the court to restrain the aforementioned officials from convening meetings, conducting congresses, or presiding over the party’s national convention, arguing that they had been expelled from the NNPP.

However, in a landmark judgment, Justice M.A. Hassan ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, affirming that internal party disputes—such as leadership and membership issues—are beyond judicial intervention.

“The position of the law, as upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, is clear: courts do not adjudicate on matters that fall within the internal affairs of a political party, except in cases relating to nomination of candidates for elections,” Justice Hassan stated.

The ruling reinforces an earlier decision by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024), delivered on November 1, 2024, which had reinstated the NNPP’s Board of Trustees, led by Aniebonam.

The court’s verdict represents a major setback for the Kwankwaso-led faction, which had sought to wrest control of the party.

Political analysts believe that the ruling will put to rest the internal wranglings that have threatened the unity of the party. (The Guardian)