NNPP raises alarm over INEC’s refusal to recognise leadership

By Juliet Umeh

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has again written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, demanding immediate compliance with a subsisting court judgment and requesting a meeting to address what it described as the commission’s continued non-compliance.

In a letter dated April 13, 2026, addressed to INEC Chairman and copied to the Director of Legal, the party, through its solicitors, Lex Firma LP, expressed concern that more than three weeks after a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment, the commission had yet to act.

The party recalled that it had earlier written to INEC on March 24, 2026, conveying the judgment delivered on March 17, 2026, and demanding compliance within 72 hours as ordered by the court.

The letter stated: “Regrettably, despite the clear and unambiguous orders of the Court mandating compliance within 72 hours, more than three weeks have elapsed without any response whatsoever from the commission.

“No steps have been taken to comply with the subsisting judgment, nor has any formal communication been issued to our client explaining the commission’s position.”

NNPP described the situation as worrisome, particularly against the backdrop of the “very public decampment” of Dr. Ajuji Ahmed and his associates to African Democratic Congress, ADC, alongside Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“It is, therefore, surprising that the commission continues to withhold recognition from the authentic leadership of the NNPP, while appearing to recognise individuals who have openly decamped from the party and who have repeatedly failed in their claims before courts of competent jurisdiction,” it said.

The party further criticised what it described as disregard for judicial authority, warning of the implications for the rule of law.

“Indeed, the notion that any person or authority can elect to ignore a valid and subsisting judgment of a court, or proceed to interpret such judgment from the comfort of its offices without recourse to due process, is most distressing and does not augur well for the rule of law in this country,” the letter read.

It also faulted INEC for allegedly failing to engage the party, despite several correspondence, saying
“it is equally troubling that the commission… has consistently refused to engage with our client, despite the service of several letters. To date, no response has been received, nor has any formal invitation been extended.’’

While reiterating its legal position, NNPP stressed that court judgments remained binding until set aside by a superior court.

“We must respectfully reiterate… that a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction remains binding on all parties until it is set aside by a superior court,” it said, adding that “no order of stay of execution has been granted” in the matter.

The party, which warned that continued delay could have electoral consequences, stated further: “Continued delay in compliance may result in the disenfranchisement of thousands of supporters of the party, an outcome which would be both unjust and avoidable.

“Without prejudice to the above, and in the spirit of amicable engagement, we hereby formally request a meeting between representatives of the commission and officials of the National Working Committee of the NNPP to discuss and resolve the issues.’’

The party expressed hope that the proposed engagement would lead to “constructive dialogue and an amicable resolution of the present impasse.’’

It urged the commission to indicate a convenient date for the meeting.

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