The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promote and support opposition parties as a means of fostering democratic growth in Nigeria.
Speaking through his deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during the visit of the INEC verification team to the national secretariat of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Abuja, the governor lamented the challenges faced by opposition parties in the country. He alleged that crises within political parties are often instigated by the ruling government.
"Political parties are going through hell. All these crises in our party are being engineered by the government. INEC should ensure the survival of opposition parties, as vibrant opposition is the oxygen of our democracy. If you remove the oxygen, our democracy cannot survive," he stated.
Yusuf emphasized the critical role of opposition parties in sustaining democracy, warning that without a thriving opposition, democratic governance in Nigeria could become extinct.
Meanwhile, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, used the occasion to caution party members against anti-party activities. He asserted that the NNPP remains united, with its logo, constitution, and leadership recognized by INEC.
Ahmed further criticized expelled members of the party, accusing them of working as tools for other political parties to create disunity within the NNPP. He called on the media to stop giving a platform to such dissidents.
He said:
“What exactly is this occasion? It is the annual INEC verification exercise conducted on all registered political parties. This year’s exercise is significant because a group of expelled former members of our party have been spreading falsehoods and propaganda, claiming control of the party.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, the fact that INEC, the electoral regulator, is here today to perform their statutory duties proves that we remain the legitimate New Nigeria People’s Party. By God’s grace, we will continue to play our role as the ruling party in Kano State and as a constructive opposition in other parts of the country.
“Let me issue a warning: this is a democratic party, but we will not tolerate members engaging in anti-party activities with impunity. All members, no matter their position, must remain disciplined and adhere to the party’s constitution. Our internal mechanisms will be jealously protected.”
Additionally, the NNPP National Legal Adviser, Robert Hon, dismissed a court judgment being paraded by a purported faction of the NNPP, which he claimed was obtained from Abia State.
Hon assured members that the party remains steadfast and will not succumb to distractions orchestrated by external forces.
Tags
News