Fresh trouble has erupted in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja, has issued far-reaching orders restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognising or dealing with any faction of the party other than the leadership headed by Dr Agbo Gilbert Major.
Justice Bello Kawu of High Court No. 14, Apo, handed down the directives in two separate rulings delivered on November 25 and 27, 2025, following ex parte applications filed by the party’s leadership.
In swift compliance with the court orders, the NNPP legal team wrote to the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, in a letter dated November 26, congratulating him on his appointment and drawing his attention to subsisting judgments validating the national convention that produced Dr Agbo Major.
The letter also cited judgments of the High Court of Abia State (HUZ/11/2024) and the FCT High Court (FCT/HC/CV/5518/2024), which upheld the legitimacy of the Agbo Major-led executive. It further noted that attempts by a rival faction led by Dr Ajuju Ahmed to seize control of the party had repeatedly been dismissed by various courts.
According to the NNPP, an “unauthorised and illegal” letter dated October 31, 2025, was recently sent to INEC by individuals with no legal ties to the party, prompting the need for firmer judicial intervention.
In the November 25 ruling, Justice Kawu granted the NNPP leave to apply for judicial review by way of mandamus and held that the leave would operate as a stay of any contrary action, recognition or communication by INEC or any of the respondents regarding the party’s leadership.
The court also ordered accelerated hearing and abridged timelines for filing of processes, fixing December 10, 2025, for the substantive hearing.
Another ruling delivered on November 27 granted leave for substituted service on 16 respondents through the NNPP National Secretariat in Abuja. The court also barred INEC from attending, monitoring or participating in any congress or convention organised by the factional group pending determination of the substantive suit.
Among those listed as respondents are Dr Ajuju Ahmed, Hon. Abba Kawu Ali, Prince Nwaeze Onu, Hon. Aladipo Alayokun, Ladipo Johnson, Arc. Mohammed Abacha and Mustapha Alkassim, among others.
Justice Kawu further restrained INEC from uploading, publishing or recognising any logo, document or communication emanating from the factional respondents until the judicial review is concluded.
The NNPP reminded INEC in its letter that engaging with the factional group would amount to disobedience to valid court orders and a violation of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution. It also referenced the Supreme Court judgment in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu, which warns that no public authority is permitted to disregard subsisting court orders.
The court also directed that all processes be served on respondents within five days, after which they have five more days to file counter-affidavits. The NNPP may file its reply within three days.
In a related request, the party asked INEC to upload the names of the Dr Agbo Major and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday–led National Working Committee, NWC, on its website and restore the party’s original logo and colours within 48 hours of receiving the enrolment order. The letter was signed by Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, NNPP Secretary-General.
The matter was adjourned to December 10, 2025, for hearing.
The latest orders add to the long-running leadership tussle that has rocked the NNPP since 2023.
