The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dismissed claims of internal divisions within its ranks, describing comments by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, as baseless and misinformed.
Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, during a televised interview, said Ganduje’s recent remarks suggesting the NNPP is suffering from deep-rooted factionalism were “inconsequential.” He added that the APC chairman “needs to check the dictionary” to understand the true meaning of the word “faction.”
According to Johnson, there are no legitimate splits within the NNPP. What Ganduje referred to as factions, he said, are simply expelled individuals clinging to obsolete party materials and presenting a distorted narrative. “You have some people who are expelled, who carry the old logo, which is no longer recognized by INEC,” he explained, noting that the electoral commission has acknowledged the party’s updated identity and leadership structure.
Reacting to reports that these individuals secured a court judgment in their favor, Johnson alleged that the ruling was obtained through deception. He claimed the group had presented an outdated party constitution in a court located in a remote area of Abia State, without notifying INEC or current party leadership.
“They served themselves and didn’t disclose that a federal high court judgment had already ruled them out as members,” Johnson said, adding that the party has since filed a motion to set aside the default judgment, with a decision expected by June.
He emphasized that the NNPP is not defying the judgment but considers it irrelevant, as it pertains to a version of the party that no longer exists. “We’ve moved on since April 2024,” he said, referring to the party’s rebranding which includes new symbols, colors, and an updated constitution.
In a final swipe at the APC chairman, Johnson described Ganduje as “a non-starter,” asserting that his comments have no bearing on the NNPP’s affairs.
