In a stunning turn of events that has sent shock waves through the Nigerian political landscape, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is currently embroiled in crisis which observers believe may reshape the party’s structure and internal dynamics.
What began as a disagreement amongst the party leadership has now grown to a level where the soul of the party has become subject of contention and litigation.
At the center of this political crisis is the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election ,Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,who has been accused of anti party activities and has been expelled from the party. And this has not only divided the party into factions ,but has also thrown the party into avoidable crisis that might linger for long.
In a dramatic twist to the crisis ,Senator Kwankwaso,along side others organised and conducted an illegal congress/convention ,during which the NNPP logo and party constitution were allegedly mutilated and changed, and the Founder of the NNPP, Dr.Boniface Aniebonam allegedly expelled from the party.
This move by the Kwankwaso led group has not only provoked reactions from party Faithfuls ,but has equally drawn battle line between the Kwankwaso faction and Dr Aniebonam’s group.
Angered by these developments ,founder of the party,Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam,in a recent press conference opened up as he gave account of how he single handedly founded and funded the party before Senator Kwankwaso joined.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday,19 April,2024 ,at National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Headquarters in Apapa,Lagos,Dr.Aniebonam said he was shocked to see Senator Kwankwaso on a live television displaying a new flag of the party and even the mutilation of the party’s constitution
Dr. Aniebonam said the reason why he has decided to break his silence is to save the party from destruction.
His words,’ If I should keep quiet ,it shall not be the best interest of the party “.
“ I am the founder of the NNPP.This party was dully registered in 2002,and Senator Kwankwaso joined in 2022.From that time to the time that Senator Kwakwanso joined the party is about twenty two (22 yrs) years.This is the original certificate of the NNPP”. He showed and displayed certificate.
“Kwakwanso joined the party in order to have a platform to contest the presidential election ,of which we freely, with open mind gave him the privilege” Dr Aniebonam said .
Continuing he added,” I have never met Senator Kwakwanso in my life,before his delegation led by elder Buba Galadima when they came to my house in the village in Anambra State. I welcomed them with open arms and mind,believing I was dealing with children of God. I never collected a dime from Kwankwaso and his delegation that came to my house on that faithful day.
“This is the memorandum of understanding we entered into on that day.( He displayed) from my purse I gave N2m on the spot to get things going.And I told Kwakwanso that Nigeria needs quality leadership , therefore go and provide quality leadership to Nigerians because Nigerians are not happy”.
Dr.Aniebonam expressed suprise over the recent actions of Senator Kwankwaso in which he has made series of moves which is not in the interest of the party. He continued “ It is now obvious that Senator Kwankwaso wants to highjack the party .He wants to come through the back door to propagate Kwankwansiya movement using the party’s platform”. Dr.Aniebonam submitted.
Dr.Aniebonam however appreciated the contribution of Senator Kwakwanso who he referred to as “ my brother” for helping to push the party to be the 3rd leading party in the country.
He assured that the party has great future ahead and that members should continue to be law abiding.
He maintained however that Senator Kwankwaso is not the leader of NNPP.”He is no other than an elder in the party,and leader of Kwakwansiya movement”,which he noted “is not a political party.”
With this development,where the founding fathers of NNPP, who are majorly NAGAFF members have amassed a whooping N150 million and an additional N50 million donated by the President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi,for legal fares,it appears the battle for the soul of the party may eventually terminate at the Supreme Court
“ This matter will eventually end at the Supreme court” Dr Aniebonam’ said during his press briefing recently.
However ,it is now clear that the party may have begun to shop for a credible candidate for the 2027 presidential election,and may possibly look in the direction of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election. Already every political party has its own internal crisis which labour party isn’t an exemption. Dr Aniebonam said, Peter Obi and members of Labour Party are welcome into NNPP if they wish to join. He said “ Peter Obi and members of Labour Party are welcome into NNPP if they wish”.
Seen as a catalyst for change with the support of many youths in the country, the emergence of Peter Obi in the political arena,as witnessed in the 2023 presidential election could be a game changer for NNPP
With his rising popularity, especially among the youth and the technocrats, it would be a bold move for the NNPP to align with him.
Dr.Aniebonam,during his press briefing , recently ,when asked if there is still room for Kwankwaso to be re- absolved into the party,said there is still chances of him being re- absolved, but noted that it is only the board of the party that can give that consideration.” He said.
Political analysts however believe that an NNPP endorsement of Peter Obi could signal a new era of collaborative politics, leading to party lines for the greater good of the nation. It would also represent a significant shift in the power dynamics, potentially distorting the traditional two-party system in Nigeria.
While the NNPP has not confirmed any plans to endorse Peter Obi, though there were speculations that Peter Obi/Kwankwanso merging together in 2023 but when asked by Dr Aniebonam before the 2023 election Dr said “ Kwankwaso campaign had gone too far and that issue of merging might not work because it was already late”. the mere speculation of such a move has proven the extent at which Nigerian politicians are desperate for power. It underscores the readiness of parties and candidates to adapt and realign in pursuit of a common goal: a better Nigeria.
As the political drama unfolds, one thing is certain—the road to the 2027 presidential election is paved with surprises, and Nigerians are keenly watching.
– FAKEYE ADERONKE
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