Court stops NNPP factional group from holding congresses

Justice M. A Hassan of Federal high court, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), division, has restrained the Boniface Aneibonam led faction of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) from conducting local, state, and zonal congresses as well as state convention in the name of the party.

In an exparte motion instituted by NNPP, National Chairman Dr. Ajuji Ahmed and 19 members of the national working committee against Aneibonam, 19 others, and INEC.

In suit No: FCT/HC/CV/5518/2024, Justice Hassan also restrained Aneibonam and 19 others, by themselves or their servants and agents, from carrying out or understanding any official activities in the name of NNPP pending the determination of the motion on notice for the interlocutory injunction.

The court equally granted a relief retraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing and or replying to any correspondence written to it by defendants.

The court also ordered INEC to stop monitoring or causing to be monitored or supervised or hearing any other official dealings with the defendants in the name of NNPP.

The matter has been adjourned till 27th January 2025 for hearing of the motion on notice.

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ladipo Johnson, expressed satisfaction with the court order.

Johnson, in a statement, said “Dr. Aneibonam and his co-travellers were expelled by the party, and since then, they have been willing tools in the hands of opposition parties, towing their line on issues and attempting to confuse the public about the rightful leadership, logo, and colours of the New Nigeria People’s Party.

“The order of the court also restrains them, their agents, or servants from carrying out or undertaking any official activity for and on behalf of, or in the name of, the NNPP.

“Similarly, the court restrained INEC from receiving or replying to any correspondence from them or monitoring their illegal congresses.

“We are aware that these former members are being used to attempt to distract us. However, the party hopes that they will appear in court so that their illegal use of the party’s name can be brought to an end.”