The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, has debunked claims of a crisis within the party, insisting that those presenting themselves as a faction have no legal standing.
Speaking in a recent interview, Ajuji described the situation as a coordinated attempt by expelled members to seize control of the party, noting that none of the 18 court cases they filed were successful.
He dismissed the narrative of a crisis as a misunderstanding, stressing that the so-called faction consists solely of individuals who were expelled and are now seeking relevance through litigation.
Addressing questions about the alleged factional rift, Ajuji explained that the dispute originated when certain members were summoned before a disciplinary committee over anti-party activities.
“Those calling themselves a faction are people we invited to appear before a disciplinary committee for anti-party activities. They refused to honour the invitation. That refusal led to their suspension by the National Working Committee, and the decision was subsequently ratified by the National Executive Committee,” he told The PUNCH.
According to Ajuji, the NEC later escalated the matter to the party’s national convention, which formally approved their expulsion.
“The NEC referred their suspension to the National Convention, and the convention expelled them,” he said.
He maintained that the expelled members lack any legal or moral authority to claim leadership within the NNPP, citing both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
“By the constitution of NNPP and the Electoral Act, those people have no locus standi in the party at all,” Ajuji emphasised.
He advised Nigerians seeking clarity on the party’s authentic leadership to consult the records of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“If you want to know the rightful leadership of NNPP, check INEC’s records. You will find our names there. We are the ones fielding candidates. We are the legitimate leadership,” he stated.
Ajuji further disclosed that the expelled group filed multiple lawsuits across the country challenging their expulsion.
“At one point, we had 18 cases with them. But out of the 18, I cannot recall a single one they won,” he said.
NNPP National Chairman, Ahmed Ajuji, has criticised an injunction obtained by expelled members in an Abia State court, describing it as irregular, unlawful, and secured without due process.
According to Ajuji, the party was never notified or served with any legal documents before the court issued the contentious order.
“They went to an obscure court in Abia State and obtained an expedited ruling. Neither the court nor those individuals served the proper NNPP with the proceedings or the facts they filed,” he said.
He explained that the party only became aware of the development after news filtered out that the court had allegedly restrained the recognised NNPP leadership and ordered that control of the party be handed to the expelled faction.
“We were shocked. That ruling was null and void, completely ultra vires in every sense,” he added.
Ajuji confirmed that the NNPP returned to the same court to challenge the ruling and succeeded in having it vacated.
“The court set the ruling aside and stated clearly that we must be properly served before the judge can continue. That is where the Abia case stands at the moment,” he said.
He further addressed another suit filed by the NNPP in Abuja, seeking to permanently restrain the expelled members from parading themselves as party officials. However, the presiding judge declined jurisdiction.
“We approached the Abuja court praying for a restraining order against them. But the judge ruled that it was an internal matter and that she had no jurisdiction,” Ajuji explained.
He criticised the expelled members for falsely interpreting the jurisdiction ruling as a legal victory.
“I honestly don’t know how a jurisdiction ruling can be interpreted as a win,” he said.
No Controversy Over NNPP Congresses — Ajuji
On the alleged controversy surrounding the party’s ongoing congresses, Ajuji maintained that misinformation was being spread by the expelled faction.
“There is no controversy over the congress,” he stated.
He dismissed claims that the NNPP was owned by a single individual, calling the notion baseless.
“They said the party was registered by one person, so that person ‘owns’ the party. That is nonsense,” he said.
Ajuji noted that political parties do not operate like private companies and provided an analogy.
“The majority of those who founded the PDP have left. Did PDP stop existing? Parties are not business ventures. Once INEC registers a political group, it becomes open to all Nigerians,” he argued.
He confirmed that the party’s congresses had already commenced nationwide.
“We began the congress on Monday. No court stopped the process. Ward congresses were held across the country. We will proceed according to the constitution and electoral laws,” he said.
‘NNPP Is Not Kwankwasiya Property’ — Ajuji
Ajuji strongly rejected claims that the NNPP is owned by the Kwankwasiya movement or by its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“Every organisation can align with a political party; it doesn’t mean the party belongs to them,” he stated.
He acknowledged that various organisations—including the National Movement and the Kwankwasiya group—are active within the NNPP, but none has ownership of the party.
“I am the national chairman, and I belong to no bloc. The claim that the party belongs to Kwankwasiya or any individual is false. I don’t even belong to any group,” he said.
Ajuji: Kwankwaso Is Influential, But He Doesn’t Own NNPP
NNPP National Chairman, Ahmed Ajuji, has reiterated that while Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains a major pillar in the party, he is neither its owner nor above internal regulations.
“Kwankwaso is simply one of our registered members,” Ajuji said. “If the National Working Committee finds that any member has violated party rules, the NWC can discipline that person — including Rabiu Kwankwaso. We value his contributions and his political influence, but he does not own or control the NNPP.”
Addressing perceptions around party financing, Ajuji said many internal disputes stem from a misunderstanding of how political parties are funded.
“Parties are not financed by one individual. They survive on membership,” he explained. “Members pay registration fees when joining and monthly dues into the party account. The number of registered members determines a party’s financial strength from Kano to every ward across the South, East, West, and North.”
Defections Won’t Derail NNPP’s 2027 Goals
Ajuji downplayed concerns that recent defections could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He described political movement as a natural part of Nigeria’s political culture.
“Those leaving NNPP do so out of personal interest, not because the party failed them. We hold no grudges,” he said. “Politics is volatile — like a marketplace. Today, some may leave; tomorrow, thousands may arrive.”
He added that the party remains focused on its electoral objectives regardless of shifting political alignments.
“You may hear that a hundred politicians have defected today. Next week, you may hear that 100,000 APC or PDP members have just joined NNPP. We will continue working to win elections, irrespective of who goes or comes,” he said.
NNPP Exploring Alliances Ahead of 2027
Ajuji also confirmed that the NNPP is keeping its strategic options open as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
“We have always said we have several options before 2027,” he said. “We may contest alone. We may form a coalition. We may back an individual with strong political clout to run on our platform. We may even, as an option, decide to join the APC.”
He noted that conversations with different political groups and stakeholders remain ongoing.
“Discussions are continuous whenever there are options. We will talk to as many platforms and individuals as possible to actualise our plans — and many are also talking to us,” he added.
