The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced it will not be participating in the local government elections taking place on Saturday in Lagos State, citing unresolved internal disputes as the reason for its withdrawal.
The elections, which are currently ongoing, will determine chairpersons and councillors across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the party’s national publicity secretary, Ogini Olaposi, attributed NNPP’s non-participation to internal crises, including a leadership struggle allegedly orchestrated by a faction loyal to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
“It is indeed most unfortunate and regrettable that despite securing favourable court judgments, we couldn’t get our house to run effective campaigns or contest the election,” Olaposi stated.
He said the crisis intensified in the run-up to the polls, with the Kwankwaso-led group attempting to seize control of the party’s leadership. According to him, this internal conflict stalled preparations and rendered participation unfeasible.
Describing the withdrawal as “regrettable but necessary,” Olaposi said it marks a first in the party’s history since its formation in 2021.
NNPP points finger at INEC
He also pointed fingers at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to update NNPP’s official records to reflect its legitimate National Working Committee, led by Dr. Agbo Major. This, he said, further hampered the party’s readiness.
Despite the setbacks, Olaposi noted that disputes over the party’s leadership and logo have now been settled. Following an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee in Abuja on Friday, the party instructed its Lagos chapter, led by Anikè Adebowale, to align with another political group that shares similar values. However, he did not disclose which party it is.
