The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has instituted legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 45 elected lawmakers over alleged failure to complete the required processes for leaving the party.
The party is challenging the validity of the purported resignations of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, 18 members of the House of Representatives and 27 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, who were elected on its platform in the 2023 general elections.
The dispute centres on whether the affected politicians complied with the provisions of the NNPP constitution and relevant electoral laws before seeking political affiliation with other parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NNPP had earlier notified INEC of its position in a letter jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major, and National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi.
The party maintained that the affected officials had not followed the prescribed procedures for terminating their membership.
According to the NNPP, its constitution provides guidelines for members wishing to leave the party, while relevant electoral laws regulate political party membership, nomination and participation in elections.
The party argued that the alleged resignations should not be recognised as valid until the required procedures have been completed and the relevant records updated.
It also insisted that the affected politicians could not rely on their purported exits from the NNPP to seek nomination or sponsorship under other political parties for the 2027 general elections.
The party, however, said it was not opposed to members exercising their right to choose their political affiliations, provided they complied with the law and the party’s constitution.
NNPP asks INEC to verify membership records
The party urged INEC to examine its official membership register before recognising any purported change of political affiliation involving the affected lawmakers and governor.
It maintained that the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to confirm the membership status of individuals to the electoral commission.
The NNPP further argued that the affected public office holders remained members of the party until their resignations were properly documented and confirmed by its national secretariat.
It warned that recognising the politicians as members or candidates of other political parties without resolving the dispute could undermine its membership records and internal democratic processes.
The party also called on INEC to take its objections into consideration when handling relevant correspondence, documentation and nomination processes involving the affected officials.
Party threatens further legal action
The NNPP said it would pursue all available legal remedies to protect its interests and challenge any action it considers inconsistent with its constitution or applicable electoral laws.
It warned that simultaneous membership of two political parties for electoral purposes could contravene relevant laws and guidelines.
The dispute comes amid preparations by political parties and prospective candidates for the 2027 general elections, with questions surrounding defections and party membership expected to feature prominently in the electoral process.
The NNPP’s allegations remain its position in the dispute, while the legal implications for the affected politicians will depend on the applicable laws and any decisions by competent courts.
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