The Dr. Agbo Major-led faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called for an INEC chairman resignation, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to comply with court judgments relating to the party’s leadership dispute.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Major alleged that INEC had continued to recognise individuals who were no longer legally affiliated with the NNPP despite multiple court rulings that, according to him, affirmed the party’s authentic leadership structure. He said the commission’s actions undermine democratic principles and the rule of law.
According to Major, the leadership crisis within the NNPP has been before the courts for more than a year, resulting in judgments that validated the party’s congresses and recognised its Board of Trustees structure. He stated that the party had fulfilled all internal requirements and submitted the necessary documentation to INEC but claimed that the electoral commission had failed to act in line with the court decisions.
“We are not only defending our party. We are defending democracy, democratic values, the rule of law and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system,” Major said. The NNPP faction leader further alleged that a court ordered INEC to comply with its judgment within 72 hours and file an affidavit of compliance within 14 days. However, he claimed that months after the directive was issued, the commission had yet to comply.
Major questioned why INEC continued to rely on correspondence from individuals he said were no longer recognised members of the party. “If INEC is dissatisfied with the judgment, it should appeal. Instead, it relies on letters from persons no longer recognised by the party,” he said.
He also alleged that there had been attempts to frustrate the judicial process, including pressure on the presiding judge handling aspects of the dispute. No evidence was presented publicly to support the allegation. The demand for an INEC chairman resignation comes amid growing tensions between the faction and the electoral commission over the implementation of court rulings concerning the party’s leadership structure.
Major said the faction remains committed to pursuing legal remedies but warned that nationwide peaceful protests could be organised if INEC continues to ignore court orders.
He also addressed reports concerning preparations for the 2027 general election, dismissing claims that the party had settled on a presidential candidate. According to him, earlier discussions on potential candidates were only provisional and should not be interpreted as a final decision. “We are not part of any coalition. We remain focused on building our platform independently,” he added.
