NNPP Tells INEC Kano Governor, Lawmakers Did Not Validly Resign From Party

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and several federal and state lawmakers elected on the party’s platform in the 2023 general elections have not fulfilled the constitutional requirements for resigning from the party.

The party made the position known in a letter addressed to INEC and jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, and National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi.

In the letter, titled “Purported Resignation of Membership of the NNPP by Certain Elected Public Office Holders – Formal Notice of Non-Compliance with the Party Constitution and Applicable Electoral Laws,” the NNPP argued that the affected office holders had failed to comply with the procedures outlined in the party’s constitution for lawful resignation.

According to the party, while members are free to leave and join any political party of their choice, such decisions must follow the provisions of the NNPP Constitution and relevant electoral laws.

The party maintained that the purported resignations of the affected officials were invalid, stressing that its membership records had not been lawfully updated to reflect their exit.

“The Constitution of the NNPP (2023, as amended) contains provisions governing the resignation of members, while the Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended), regulates relevant aspects of political party membership, nomination and participation in elections,” the letter stated.

It added that these provisions could not be ignored, particularly by elected officials who secured their mandates through the party’s platform.

The NNPP also objected to any attempt by the affected officials to rely on what it described as invalid resignations to seek membership or nomination under another political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, those affected include Governor Yusuf, 18 members of the House of Representatives and 27 members of the Kano State House of Assembly elected on the NNPP platform in 2023.

The party argued that political party membership cannot be terminated through public declarations or political activities with another party without complying with the procedures stipulated in its constitution.

It urged INEC not to regard any claimed resignation or change of party affiliation as established without first verifying the party’s official membership records and ensuring compliance with the law.

The NNPP further stated that any attempt by the affected individuals to secure nomination or sponsorship by another political party for the 2027 elections should be assessed in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and other applicable laws.

The party called on INEC to formally acknowledge its objection during the consideration of any documentation or nomination involving the affected officials.

It also warned that it would pursue all available legal remedies, including court action, to safeguard its constitutional rights and protect the integrity of its membership register and internal democratic processes.

The party stressed that, under its constitution, only the National Chairman and National Secretary are authorised to officially confirm the membership status of party members to INEC.

It added that, technically, all the listed public office holders elected on the NNPP platform in the 2023 general elections remain members of the party unless their names are formally removed from the party’s national records.

The NNPP further noted that belonging to two political parties simultaneously for electoral purposes would constitute a violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws and guidelines.