A faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwoso, has condemned a judgment delivered on Tuesday by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
It described the court verdict as illegal and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, faulted the ruling delivered by Justice Bello Kawu, saying the court acted outside of its jurisdiction.
The NNPP argued that the court, sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, had no authority to review or override a decision of a High Court in Abia State, stressing that such an action contravened established legal principles and judicial hierarchy.
According to the party, the case was brought before the court by expelled members allegedly aligned with Boniface Aniebonam. It claimed that the suit was part of a broader attempt to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The statement also alleged that the matter was already pending before the Court of Appeal in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The NNPP faction described the FCT High Court’s decision to entertain the case as a violation of the sub judice rule.
The party also raised concerns over what it called a breach of fair hearing, claiming it was not properly served with court processes.
It said a substituted service was carried out at an address not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Describing the judgment as a “judicial travesty,” the NNPP faction warned that such rulings could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and cast doubts on the credibility of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls.
Despite the development, the party expressed confidence in the appellate courts, stating that it had taken steps to challenge the ruling.
“The NNPP remains resolute and will pursue all legal avenues to overturn this miscarriage of justice,” the statement added.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja, presided over by Justice Bello Kawu, delivered a ruling on Tuesday over the prolonged leadership crisis within NNPP.
The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognise and upload the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major.
