NNPP factional divide deepens over suspension of Kwankwaso, expulsion of BoT Chairman’

Intra-party tensions escalate within NNPP as factions clash over key decisions

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is currently facing intensified internal conflict, with rival factions convening separate meetings to make crucial announcements.

The situation has led to the expulsion of prominent party members and the suspension of key leaders, including the national leader, highlighting deep divisions within the party.

On Tuesday, the crisis within NNPP took a significant twist as two factions within the party held parallel meetings, each delivering distinct decisions.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) met in Abuja and ratified the expulsion of Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), and Dr. Agbo Major, the National Publicity Secretary, along with 14 others.

In contrast, the BoT led by Dr. Aniebonam convened a separate gathering in Lagos, announcing the suspension of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 general election, for a period of six months over alleged anti-party activities.

During this meeting, new national officers were appointed, with Dr. Agbo Major as acting national chairman and Comrade Ogini Olaposi as acting national secretary.

The NEC meeting, held at Bolingo Hotel, Abuja, had the presence of influential figures like Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and Alhaji Jibrin Falgore, the speaker of the state assembly. Notably, Senator Kwankwaso was not in attendance during this gathering.

The Acting National Chairman of NNPP, Alhaji Abba Kawu, explained that a disciplinary committee had been formed by the National Working Committee (NWC), leading to the suspension of state executive committees.

The NEC meeting aimed to restructure the party and address issues such as logo change and constitutional amendments.

In response to the BoT’s decisions, Senator Kwankwaso’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the Lagos meeting as null and void, emphasizing that the NEC meeting held in Abuja holds more validity.

Johnson stated that Dr. Aniebonam, Dr. Agbo Major, and other expelled members had attempted to hold a parallel meeting, but their actions were deemed ineffective.