By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, Dec. 19, 2025 – In a firm declaration of political resilience, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has positioned itself as an unshakeable and growing entity within Nigeria’s often turbulent democratic landscape. The party’s leadership, speaking at a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, dismissed notions of vulnerability, asserting that internal cohesion and strategic focus will propel it toward future electoral success.
The party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Ajuji, framed the NNPP as a distinct alternative to Nigeria’s more established parties, which are often criticized for being controlled by powerful godfathers or financial interests. “We are not pocketed and dictated to as some other parties are,” Ajuji stated, a claim that seeks to differentiate the NNPP by appealing to voters weary of top-down political control. He emphasized that repeated attempts by “external and internal forces” to factionalize the party had ultimately failed, reinforcing a narrative of steadfast unity.
This theme of unity-over-size was echoed by the party’s National Leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. “We may not be the biggest party in terms of number, but we are the most united and coordinated party,” Kwankwaso advised. This statement reflects a strategic calculation common among emerging political forces: that disciplined, coherent organization can challenge larger but more fragmented rivals. It also subtly addresses the party’s core strength, which is currently concentrated in its political stronghold of Kano State, while projecting ambition for national relevance.
The meeting served as a de facto victory lap for the outgoing National Working Committee (NWC), with Ajuji expressing satisfaction that his leadership “did not fail the party.” Key achievements cited included the successful conduct of congresses from the ward to state levels across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—a critical organizational benchmark for any party seeking INEC recognition and ballot access. National Secretary Dipo Johnson confirmed the party is “up to date” with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable, specifically for the upcoming FCT Council polls in February 2026, indicating a focus on near-term electoral tests.
However, the gathering was not without its undercurrents of internal strife. Leadership took deliberate aim at dissenting members, whom Ajuji colorfully suggested had jumped “from calm waters only to land in… a frying pan.” BOT Secretary Buba Galadinma explicitly denied the existence of any faction, noting that “no genuine party leader” was absent and that suspended members had not appealed court judgments against them. This concerted messaging is a classic political tactic to isolate detractors and present a facade of unanimous support to the public and remaining members.
Looking ahead, the party ratified several key resolutions, including the election results for its various executive committees and the suspension of a constitutional clause (Article 37(1)), often a procedural move to streamline leadership transitions. The stage is now set for the national convention scheduled for December 20, where the mantle will be passed to a new NWC.
Ultimately, the NNPP’s statements from this NEC meeting are less a report on current dominance and more a strategic manifesto of intent. By championing unity, celebrating organizational milestones, publicly quashing rumors of division, and aligning its sights on the 2027 general elections, the party is attempting to craft a narrative of inevitable ascent. Whether this confidence translates into expanded electoral success beyond its regional base remains the central question for Nigeria’s evolving opposition politics.
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
