Party Blames Kwankwaso-Led Faction for Leadership Crisis and INEC Delays as Voting Proceeds Across 57 Councils
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) will field no candidates in Saturday’s critical local government elections in Lagos, citing paralyzing internal conflicts and administrative failures. National Publicity Secretary Ogini Olaposi announced the withdrawal hours before polls opened, blaming a leadership tussle allegedly instigated by a faction led by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“Despite double victory judgments in our favor, we could not put our house in order,” Olaposi stated, calling the situation “unprecedented since the party’s founding in 2021.” He accused Kwankwaso’s group of attempting to “hijack the NNPP leadership,” disrupting campaign preparations across Lagos’ 20 LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The crisis deepened when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to update NNPP’s registration records to reflect its “legitimate National Working Committee led by Dr. Agbo Major,” further delaying logistical planning. These setbacks, Olaposi noted, made effective participation impossible.
Directive to Members
Following an emergency National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Friday, the NNPP directed its Lagos chapter—led by State Chairperson Anikè Adebowale—to support another “ideologically aligned” political party during the elections. Olaposi declined to name the beneficiary party.
The withdrawal is the culmination of a bitter, months-long factional war within the NNPP. Kwankwaso’s camp previously challenged Dr. Major’s leadership through courts, though Olaposi claimed recent resolutions had settled “issues surrounding the party’s logo and leadership.”
Voting commenced Saturday morning without NNPP candidates on ballots for chairmanship and councillorship positions. The party’s absence leaves Lagos’ 7 million registered voters with reduced options in elections Governor Sanwo-Olu earlier called “vital for grassroots development.”
