Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were notably absent as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) elected Agbo Major as its new national chairman.
Abba is the only governor under the NPPP while Kwankwaso is the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Agbo emerged as the party’s chairman at the convention, which was held on Tueday was attended by delegates and officers of the party at national and state levels.
Other elected officers are Mr Oginni Olaposi, National Secretary; Chief Felix Chukwurah, Deputy National Chairman (South); Mr Adetoyese Omokanye, National Treasurer; Alhaji Babayo Muhammed, Deputy National Chairman (North); and Abdulrasaq Abdulsallam as National Publicity Secretary.
The delegates also elected Hajia Aisha Kade as National Woman Leader, Chief Edward Ofomona as National Youth Leader, and Omolara Johnson as National Organising Secretary, among others.
In attendance were members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NEC), and all elective office holders of the party nationwide.
Before the convention, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his Kwakwansiya group were expelled over alleged involvement in anti-party actions and improper handling of party fundswhile Governor Abba Yusuf, among others, were slammed with suspension.
But, the Kano state chairman of NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, rejected the decision, saying those who took the unpopular decision were not bonafide members the party.
Dungurawa said the party viewed the expulsion of Kwankwaso and the suspension of Yusuf as laughable as it was carried out by expelled members, sponsored by external forces.
Amid the power tussle, an Abia High Court, on Nov. 1, 2024, in a judgement, ordered the NNPP BoT, led by the founder and chairman BoT, Boniface Aniebonam, to begin repositioning and reconstituting all organs of the party, from ward congress to national convention.
The court equally ordered INEC to recognise and deal with the new board of the NNPP.
Mr Aniebonam told members that, pursuant to the judgement of the court, the board had successfully repositioned and reconstituted its ward executives up to zonal officers.
“Today, the board shall conclude its assignment through the national convention to elect and establish its National Working Committee to take charge of its administration and management.
“In carrying out these responsibilities, INEC and other security agencies were duly notified,” Mr Aniebonam said.
In his welcome address, the BoT Secretary, Mohammed Babayo, said the party remained united and focused on its vision of providing credible leadership and governance that would prioritize the needs of Nigerians.
Mr Babayo said that the resolve to move forward was collective, and any speculation to the contrary would be baseless.
He urged the newly elected executives to lead the party with diligence, integrity, and dedication.
“The task ahead is huge, but with unity, hard work, and clear vision, we will continue to strengthen the NNPP and position it as a true vehicle for change in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the new national chairman, Mr Major, urged all aggrieved members of the party to return home and contribute toward its development.
“I thank all delegates present here today for this huge confidence reposed in me. I won’t take this trust for granted.
“The NWC under me, as elected today, is poised to deliver. We are committed to repositioning our party for 2027, and this we will do vigorously.
“I urge all other elected officials at all levels to key into this new move to reposition our dear party for optimal performance.
“We will not tolerate anything short of the expected standards and benchmarks drawn to keep you on your toes.
“The National Secretary will issue directives to this effect soon,” he added.
