Lagos LG poll: NNPP’ directs members to vote forr APC

Lagos LG poll: NNPP directs members to vote for APC

By Babatunde Aremu

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expressed deep disappointment over its inability to participate in the Lagos State Local Government Elections scheduled for today, July 12, 2025.

The party attributes this unfortunate setback to the continued delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in updating its official records to reflect the legitimate National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Major Agbo Gilbert.

Despite securing two separate court victories affirming the legitimacy of the Agbo-led NWC and nullifying the actions of individuals allegedly attempting to hijack the party’s structure, NNPP says INEC’s failure to implement these judicial directives has rendered it unable to field candidates in the current elections.

In a statement issued this morning, the NNPP leadership lamented that the failure of INEC to act swiftly on binding court decisions has not only disenfranchised the party in Lagos but may also raise broader concerns about the neutrality and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“It is indeed unfortunate that despite securing double victory in court against the backdoor takeover attempts by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima, INEC’s delay in updating its server with the authentic leadership structure has excluded us from the 2025 Lagos LG elections,” the statement read.

Nonetheless, the party remains optimistic that INEC will act in good faith and is currently making efforts to rectify the situation in due course. NNPP noted that it is mindful of the political pressures and internal lobbying that may be affecting the Commission’s pace, but urged INEC to resist undue influence and uphold democratic principles.

The statement also criticized Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing him of abandoning the party and instructing his Kwankwasiyya supporters in Lagos to ignore the ongoing local government elections. According to the party, this is further evidence that Kwankwaso has lost relevance and political credibility beyond Kano State.

NNPP described Kwankwaso’s political focus as “parochial and self-serving,” claiming that his actions including an attempt to change the party’s logo and color scheme to reflect his private interests were indicative of a personal agenda rather than national interest.

“NNPP was founded in 2001 by Dr. Aniebonam Boniface Okechukwu, not to serve the ambition of any one man,” the statement continued:

“Senator Kwankwaso only joined in 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election. Since then, he has tried to convert the party into a personal platform, promoting the Kwankwasiyya brand and pushing aside the party’s founding principles.”

The party also called out what it termed “continued acts of betrayal” by Kwankwaso, including his alleged disregard for party elders and the ongoing legal battles he faces from the Agbo-led executive committee.

In a decisive move, the NNPP has now directed all its members and supporters in Lagos to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the APC as a “sister political party” in light of the current electoral dynamics.

“We urge all NNPP faithful across Lagos to come out in full force today, July 12th, and cast their votes for APC candidates. This is a temporary strategic alignment in the interest of progress and good governance,” the party declared.

Looking ahead, the NNPP stated that if INEC continues to delay the implementation of lawful court rulings, it will have no option but to seek a mandamus order compelling the Commission to act”