Leadership Crisis Resolved for New Nigeria Peoples Party
Chuks Okocha reporting from Abuja
Agbo Major, the national factional leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has allayed fears regarding the party’s trajectory following the departure of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Major stated that the recent court ruling has effectively resolved the internal crisis that had plagued the party.
During an interview with Arise News, Major asserted that the NNPP existed long before Kwankwaso’s involvement and remains robust in his absence. He emphasized that the party has weathered significant challenges and is prepared to move forward independently.
The leadership struggle intensified after the 2023 general elections, sparking divisions among party factions over control and strategic direction, particularly concerning Kwankwaso and his supporters. The situation culminated in a ruling from the Federal Capital Territory High Court on March 17, which validated Major’s leadership role.
Major remarked on the political implications of the ruling, stating that the court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in ending the conflict. He noted, “The NNPP has a proven track record of electoral success, and while Kwankwaso added value, his exit does not undermine our foundation.” He aims to build and enhance the party’s capabilities established prior to Kwankwaso’s tenure.
Addressing questions about the control of the party’s headquarters, Major confirmed his role as national chairman. He detailed the relocation of the party’s national secretariat from Use Zone 4 to a property in Asokoro, citing logistical needs that arose during the leadership crisis.
Major expressed confidence in the NNPP’s growth potential absent Kwankwaso. He pointed out that the party possessed a dedicated following well before his involvement, cautioning against the dangers of building a political organization around individual personalities. “We achieved electoral victories in Bauchi in 2019—an accomplishment that drew Kwankwaso to our fold,” he explained. However, Major viewed the influence of Kwankwaso as both beneficial and, ultimately, counterproductive to the party’s unity.
Transparency and Future Aspirations of NNPP
Major defended the long-standing reputation of the original NNPP leadership, maintaining that it operated transparently for over two decades prior to the recent turmoil. He attributed the party’s current challenges to Kwankwaso’s faction rather than its core leadership. “Our credibility wasn’t compromised until the divisions emerged,” he asserted, encouraging skeptics to consider the implications of factional conflicts on organizational integrity.
Looking ahead, Major emphasized that the primary objective of any political party is to field candidates in upcoming elections. He reassured supporters that the NNPP has remained steadfast in its mission, with plans for a national convention on the horizon. “We have consistently placed candidates in various elections, including figures like Kalu Idika Kalu in 2007 and Pastor Chris Okotie in 2003,” he noted, underlining the party’s ongoing commitment to its electoral strategy.
Potential for Reconciliation and Addressing Insecurity
When it comes to the possibility of reconciliation with dissident factions, Major indicated that the door remains open for dialogue. However, he criticized these groups for escalating tensions rather than engaging in constructive discussions since June 2023. “Democracy thrives on finding common ground,” he remarked, adding that while reconciliation was feasible, lessons learned from prior experiences complicate future negotiations.
On addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, Major emphasized a community-focused approach, arguing that the root causes of insecurity lie within the very neighborhoods that are targeted. “Involving ordinary citizens in security efforts is essential. The NNPP prides itself on being a people-friendly party that seeks to empower community engagement,” he affirmed, reiterating the importance of grassroots involvement in tackling these pressing issues.
Finally, Major dismissed concerns over a potential APC-dominated candidacy for the 2027 elections, characterizing such speculations as distractions. He reassured the public that the NNPP is committed to identifying and presenting its own candidates, regardless of external pressures. “While discussions around these distractions have wasted our time, our focus remains on preparing for the electoral landscape ahead,” he concluded.
