The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) is facing even greater turmoil as the faction loyal to the Board of Trustees has decided to withdraw from the memorandum of understanding signed with the Kwankwansiya Movement in 2022.
Under the agreement, former Kano state governor Rabiu Kwankwaso became the national leader of the NNPP, while Boniface Aniebonam, the party's founder, was named chairman of the Board of Trustees. However, on Tuesday, the National Executive Committee expelled Aniebonam and the former National Publicity Secretary, Agbo Major, from the party. Additionally, the Board of Trustees suspended Kwankwaso for three months.
In response, Mohammed Abdullahi, reportedly the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, announced on Thursday that the NNPP, The Nigeria Movement, and Kwankwansiya Movement had ended their memorandum of understanding. Abdullahi stated that the memorandum was signed solely to win elections and wished the groups success in their future endeavors. He advised them to register as a political party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Abdullahi also emphasized that wearing the red cap associated with the Kwankwansiya Movement was considered an embarrassment and a violation of the understanding between the NNPP and the movement. He clarified that the Kwankwansiya Movement and The Nigeria Movement were pressure groups within the NNPP and not separate political parties.
The decision to end the memorandum of understanding was prompted by the withdrawal of parties involved. Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, who served as National Organizing Secretary, and Prof Angwe, who served as National Legal Adviser, signed on behalf of The Nigeria Movement. Dr. Aniebonam and Dr. Agbo Major signed for the NNPP. The departure of these individuals left Senator Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima in violation of the nonexistent agreement.
Abdullahi noted that Prof Alkali, who also represented The Nigeria Movement and served as National Chairman of the party, had already stepped aside to protect his political career. Avm Ihemeje, the Deputy National Chairman, resigned due to constitutional violations, anti-party activities, and arrogance displayed by Senator Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima.
Abdullahi appealed to former NNPP members, who had left the party out of anger, to return and assist in rebuilding the party. He acknowledged that the alliance with the Kwankwansiya group had been a mistake but highlighted the achievements they had made as the NNPP. While expressing disappointment in Kwankwaso and Galadima, he called for prayers and forgiveness for their actions.
The NNPP is now faced with the challenging task of navigating the crisis and moving forward with a united front.
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