The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has reaffirmed Dr. Agbo Major as the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), dismissing a suit challenging the legitimacy of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice M.A. Hassan held that the case, filed by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others, lacked jurisdiction as it pertained to the internal affairs of the party, which are non-justiciable under Nigerian law.
> “The courts have consistently maintained that internal party leadership issues are non-justiciable, as reaffirmed by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Consequently, I have no option but to dismiss this suit for lack of jurisdiction,” Justice Hassan ruled.
Victory for NNPP Leadership
The judgment solidifies the authority of Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the NNPP’s founder and Dr. Agbo Major as its National Chairman, putting an end to a prolonged leadership tussle that had threatened the party’s stability.
The claimants, aligned with a faction led by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had sought to invalidate the leadership of National Secretary Comrade Oginni Olaposi, Deputy National Chairman Chief Felix Chukwurah, and Legal Adviser Barr. Tony Christopher Obioha. They also attempted to halt the party’s meetings, congresses, and National Convention.
However, defense counsel Segun Fiki Esq., along with C.F. Odiniru, E.C. Nwanya, and Arnold Ubua, argued that the suit was a deliberate interference in the party’s internal affairs, citing a previous ruling by the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024), which had already affirmed the legitimacy of the NNPP leadership.
Political Implications
With this ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now expected to formally recognize and engage with Dr. Agbo Major’s leadership in line with the judicial pronouncement.
Political analysts view the judgment as a significant setback for the Kwankwaso-led faction, which had sought to challenge the party’s leadership through the courts.
Legal experts also assert that the decision reinforces the judiciary’s stance on non-interference in political party affairs, aligning with past Supreme Court and Court of Appeal precedents.
Call for Party Unity
Following the ruling, NNPP’s leadership has called on all party members to set aside differences and unite behind the recognized National Executive to strengthen the party ahead of future political engagements.
> “This decision is a victory for democracy, party stability, and the rule of law,” Dr. Agbo Major said in a post-judgment statement.
