Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has expressed strong disapproval towards the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for approving changes to the party’s logo, colour, and constitution. Aniebonam also accused Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NNPP National Leader, and his supporters of defying a court order by holding a national convention and misleading INEC officials to attend the event.
During an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Aniebonam voiced his frustration. He mentioned that many Nigerians and stakeholders have criticized him for welcoming Kwankwaso and his followers into the party, but he emphasized that his primary goal was to create a platform for a better Nigeria. Aniebonam declared that the recent amendments to the constitution and changes to the logo, color, and flag are invalid as he still holds the certificate used to register the party.
“I founded this party in 2001 intending to provide a choice for ordinary Nigerians. But it no longer represents its name. All I wanted was a better Nigeria, which Kwankwaso and his group have frustrated. I am the founder and the chairman of the board of trustees of the party. It is written in the constitution that I am a life member of the board. That means you cannot just decide to sack me,” Aniebonam stated.
He continued, “But Kwankwaso and his group claim they have removed the founder. This shows their disregard for the law and court orders. Once a matter is in court, everyone must maintain the status quo until a decision is made. How can Kwankwaso hold a convention when the issue is still in court? INEC and Kwankwaso were both served. Why did INEC attend the convention and approve the changes in logo, flag, and colour? When INEC approved these changes, did they request the original registration certificate, which I still possess? The chairman of INEC needs to improve the commission’s oversight.”
In response, the Kwankwaso camp has dismissed Aniebonam’s allegations. Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, labelled Aniebonam’s claims as false. He asserted that INEC has not erred in its duties and that Aniebonam and his faction had been expelled.
“Aniebonam lied. Let him show any court order that mandated maintaining the status quo. We attended court, as did INEC, and their motion was struck out. The court ruled that they were no longer members,” Johnson explained.
Regarding the NNPP constitution not recognizing the expulsion of its founder and life member, Johnson responded, “You remain a life member only if you are of good behaviour. This does not place you above the constitution. Look at the APGA case involving Victor Umeh, where the Supreme Court upheld the removal of their founder. No one is above the constitution. The fact is that Aniebonam is out of the party, and INEC has followed constitutional procedures.”
