The New Nigeria Peoples Party has insisted that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his group remain expelled from the party.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the NNPP National Chairman, Agbo Major, warned Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya group against blackmail and illegal actions that could destabilise the party.
Major claimed that the Kwankwasiyya group recently wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, seeking to replace the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, with someone not recognised by the party.
“The action stems from crass ignorance of the internal workings of the revered Green Chamber. Despite having exited our party, they remain desperate to destabilise the National Assembly caucus of the NNPP,” he said.
Citing concerns about potential breaches of the public peace, Major called on security agencies, particularly in Kano State, to investigate and prevent any disruptive actions by the Kwankwasiyya group.
“Theirs is a group known for recklessness, disruption of public peace, and perpetuation of illegalities. We urge security agencies to step in and ensure adherence to the rule of law, particularly in light of the recent court judgment affirming their expulsion,” he stated.
Major further revealed that petitions have been submitted to security agencies against Senator Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, and other leaders of the Kwankwasiyya group to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He referenced a recent Abia High Court ruling that returned the party’s management to its Board of Trustees , led by its founder, Boniface Aniebonam, stating that only letters signed by the BOT Chairman or the recognized party leadership would be valid for communication with the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We urge the Honorable Speaker to act only on letters signed by Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam or the duo of Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major and Comrade Sunday Olaposi Oginni as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively,” he added.
Major condemned what he described as the Kwankwasiyya group’s illegal moves to summon Madaki and Kabiru Rurum for disciplinary actions.
“These individuals have long denounced their membership in the Kwankwasiyya group, as confirmed by video evidence. The group lacks any authority to act on behalf of the NNPP,” he said.
The party warned that any actions taken by the Kwankwasiyya group against NNPP members would be considered null and void, emphasizing that the group’s leaders have no standing within the party following their expulsion.
“We cannot fold our hands and watch enemies of democracy engage in acts capable of causing confusion. The NNPP stands for the rule of law, constitutionalism, and decency.
“The NNPP reaffirmed its commitment to fostering internal stability and urged all stakeholders to respect the court ruling and party leadership. We also pledged to continue working towards the development of democracy in Nigeria,” he concluded.
