The New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to update its records regarding the membership of the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC. In a statement released on Saturday by Dr Temitope Aluko, the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, the NNPP also emphasized the importance of the media recognizing only those officers who have been duly elected in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Mr Aluko stated that prominent NNPP members such as Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and the entire old National Working Committee, NWC, led by Abbah Kawu, have already been expelled and INEC has been duly informed about this matter.
He further emphasized that INEC does not have the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of a political party.
“We once again urge INEC, through its Chairman, to promptly update their records of the NNPP’s National Executive Committee. It is important to note that the NNPP constitution holds supreme authority and all members are bound by it, while still respecting the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.”
Mr Aluko highlighted that the powers of INEC to register, control, and regulate political parties are constitutionally provided, and the NNPP acknowledges this. However, he stressed that INEC does not possess the power to interfere in the internal administration and management of political parties, as it would infringe upon the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate.
“Our message is clear and straightforward. The board members of the NNPP have clear and unequivocal powers in resolving the party’s internal matters.”
The NNPP expects INEC to respect their request and update their records accordingly, while upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
All of these preventable acts of severe misconduct resulted in the Board of Trustees inviting the individuals in question to provide an explanation. However, they refused to answer the queries.
Consequently, the board had no choice but to exercise its inherent powers by reprimanding and expelling them decisively.
Afterwards, the board’s action was ratified by the General Assembly of the Party. This decision was then communicated to the Chairman of INEC, who duly acknowledged it and pledged to update the commission’s records.
What is surprising and highly embarrassing today is that INEC is still engaging with the expelled members of the party.
Furthermore, this matter is currently pending before a Federal High Court, with INEC being properly served and notified.
Mr. Aluko stated that while the party recognizes INEC’s authority to regulate and control political parties, the commission should strive to act as a neutral entity towards all political parties and respect each party’s internal administration.
In these circumstances, it would be more responsible for INEC as a regulator, upon receiving a notification, to invite both parties involved in order to ascertain the facts and make an informed decision.
Mr. Aluko emphasized that the chairman of INEC, as well as the commission itself, should take inspiration from the judiciary and work towards enhancing the principles of democracy.
He acknowledged that INEC’s mandate and powers to register, control, and regulate political parties are constitutionally provided, and the party is fully aware of this.
However, INEC does not possess the authority to interfere in the internal administration and management of political parties.
Doing so would be a violation of the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate.
In essence, what we are conveying here is straightforward and clear.
The existing powers of the board members of the NNPP in resolving the party’s internal matters are well-defined.
