According to a report by The Sun News, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, said the party has resolved not to repeat what he described as the mistake it made with its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general election.
Aniebonam explained that the NNPP would not hand its presidential ticket to any aspirant without following due process.
He stated that whoever eventually emerges as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election must pass through a thorough screening process that will assess the person’s loyalty to the party, leadership qualities, and ability to compete effectively in the election.
He made the remarks in a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos. His comments came shortly after the NNPP announced on Tuesday that it had uploaded the name of a placeholder presidential candidate on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal in compliance with the electoral timetable and guidelines for the 2027 elections.
According to him, the placeholder arrangement is only temporary, revealing that the party already has three serious presidential aspirants who will undergo proper screening before one of them is eventually selected as the party’s official candidate for the election.
Aniebonam explained that the party’s preparations were delayed because of prolonged legal battles aimed at preventing what he described as Kwankwaso’s attempt to take control of the NNPP.
He also accused INEC of contributing to the delays by failing to comply promptly with court orders related to the dispute.
He further stated that beyond the legal challenges, the internal crisis involving Kwankwaso and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement weakened the party and resulted in the exit of several members who eventually joined other political parties.
Despite those setbacks, Aniebonam maintained that the NNPP remains optimistic about its future.
He expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would still perform well in various elective positions across the country and make meaningful political gains during the 2027 elections.
He also disclosed that the party would soon hold an emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to him, the meeting will consider and approve the timetable for granting concessions to certain categories of candidates, as well as discuss plans for reduced nomination fees for eligible aspirants.
He said the NEC would deliberate on and ratify plans to institute legal action against INEC.
Once approved, the party’s legal team would proceed to the Federal High Court to seek damages over what it considers the electoral body’s failure to obey valid court orders.
Aniebonam expressed disappointment with INEC’s handling of the matter, saying it was unfortunate that an institution headed by a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria could openly disregard court judgments without consequences.
He appealed to party members who left during the internal crisis to return to the NNPP, assuring them that the party would provide a fair and transparent environment where every member would have equal opportunities.
Speaking further, he said the party’s nomination process would remain affordable and inclusive.
He explained that female aspirants and persons living with disabilities would continue to enjoy concessions as part of the NNPP’s commitment to encouraging broader participation in politics.
He also noted that while the party is preparing independently for the elections, it is not against entering into political understandings or alliances with other parties in selected contests where such arrangements would benefit its candidates and receive the approval of party members.
Aniebonam added that the NNPP remains willing to engage with political parties that share similar beliefs and political objectives as discussions ahead of the 2027 elections continue.
He said, “We are grateful to God that Kwankwaso did not succeed in hijacking our party. He betrayed us and we leave him to God……See More
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