LAGOS, April 19, 2024 — Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has publicly voiced serious accusations against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, claiming a betrayal of trust and an attempted takeover of the party structure. This conflict erupted into the public eye at a press conference in Lagos, where Aniebonam detailed what he perceives as a deliberate effort by Kwankwaso to undermine the party’s foundational principles and leadership.
The Genesis of the Conflict
Origins of the NNPP and Kwankwaso’s Entry The NNPP, a party that Dr. Boniface Aniebonam single-handedly registered and nurtured since 2002, was originally designed to offer a platform for like-minded politicians seeking reform in Nigeria. The party remained relatively marginal until 2022 when Rabiu Kwankwaso, eyeing a presidential run in the 2023 elections, was brought into the fold. Aniebonam recounts how Kwankwaso was given the platform to further his political ambitions, a move facilitated by Aniebonam himself in the spirit of mutual trust and shared goals.
Welcoming Kwankwaso to the NNPP The integration of Kwankwaso into the NNPP was marked by significant expectations from both sides. Aniebonam described a meeting at his country home in Anambra, where figures like Buba Galadima, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, and Prof. Sam Angai, representing Kwankwaso, made a strong case for his inclusion. Following these discussions, Aniebonam personally reached out to Kwankwaso, offering him the party’s presidential ticket after being satisfied with his vision for Nigeria. This gesture was meant to signal a new era of collaboration within the NNPP, aiming to leverage Kwankwaso’s political stature to elevate the party’s national profile.
The Betrayal and Subsequent Crisis
Signs of Internal Discord However, the harmony was short-lived. Aniebonam points to several incidents that began to strain relations, primarily centered around Kwankwaso’s approach to party leadership and decision-making. The most alarming of these was Kwankwaso’s unilateral decision to introduce a new party logo and flag during a live television appearance, a move Aniebonam claims violated the NNPP’s constitution by bypassing necessary internal consultations and approvals.
Public Mutilation of Party Constitution Aniebonam expressed his dismay at these actions, stating that they amounted to a public mutilation of the party’s constitution. This act, according to Aniebonam, was not just a procedural breach but a symbolic gesture that Kwankwaso was setting a new course for the NNPP, potentially at odds with its established policies and objectives.
Legal Battles and Constitutional Implications
Expulsion and Legal Recourse The internal disputes eventually led to Kwankwaso’s expulsion from the party by the NNPP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) for anti-party activities and misconduct, a dramatic climax to the growing rift within the party ranks. This decision, however, did not mark the end of the turmoil. Aniebonam highlighted that the party had to resort to legal measures to affirm the expulsion and address the unauthorized changes made by Kwankwaso.
Court Intervention and Status Quo Following these upheavals, the NNPP sought intervention from the Federal High Court, which placed the actions of Kwankwaso and his associates in abeyance, pending the determination of the case. This court order was crucial for Aniebonam and his faction to maintain some control over the party’s operations and prevent further unauthorized activities.
This unfolding saga within the NNPP not only underscores the challenges political parties face in managing diverse and often conflicting internal interests but also highlights the crucial role of legal frameworks in resolving such disputes. As Aniebonam continues to defend his vision for the NNPP, the political landscape watches closely, understanding that the outcome of this conflict could reshape the party’s future and its role in Nigerian politics.
Upholding Party Integrity and Founder’s Rights
Life Membership and Inherent Authority As the founder of NNPP, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam emphasized his permanent role within the party’s governance, a status affirmed by the party’s constitution which grants him life membership on the Board of Trustees. This position, according to Aniebonam, endows him with inherent authority to oversee and guide the party’s operations, an authority he believes Kwankwaso attempted to undermine.
Allegations of Hijacking the Party Aniebonam lamented that despite his foundational contributions and long-term funding of the party, there appeared to be a concerted effort by Kwankwaso and his faction to hijack the party for personal political gains. He described these actions as not only a betrayal of trust but also a threat to the legacy and stability of the NNPP, which he had painstakingly built over two decades.
Reconciliation and Conditional Pardon
Offering a Path to Reconciliation Despite the deep-seated tensions and public fallout, Aniebonam expressed a willingness to reconcile with Kwankwaso under certain conditions. He stated that if Kwankwaso could demonstrate sincerity by adhering to the party’s constitution and renouncing his previous actions, a pardon might be considered. This approach underscores Aniebonam’s commitment to unity and stability within the party, provided that foundational principles and respect for party governance are maintained.
Potential for Pardoning Amidst Ongoing Disputes The possibility of pardoning Kwankwaso hinges on the latter’s response to the ongoing legal and organizational disputes within the NNPP. Aniebonam’s offer is seen as an olive branch that could potentially heal divisions within the party if accepted with genuine intentions for reform and collaboration.
Legal Framework and Future Implications
The Role of the Judiciary The ongoing legal battles, including a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, play a critical role in defining the future operational framework of the NNPP. These court decisions are pivotal in establishing a precedent for handling internal party disputes and ensuring that party constitutions are upheld.
Supreme Court’s Potential Involvement Aniebonam has expressed his readiness to take the constitutional interpretation of these issues to the Supreme Court if necessary. This determination to pursue legal clarity up to the highest level of the judiciary underscores the significance of the dispute not only for the NNPP but also for the broader context of party politics in Nigeria.
Conclusion: A Test of Democratic Resilience and Leadership Integrity
The dispute within the NNPP, marked by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam’s allegations against former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, presents a complex tapestry of political ambition, trust, and party integrity. As Aniebonam navigates these tumultuous waters, the outcome of this conflict will likely resonate beyond the confines of the party, affecting perceptions of democratic resilience and leadership integrity in Nigerian politics.
The NNPP’s journey through this crisis will test the strength of its foundational principles and the resolve of its leaders to prioritize the collective good over individual ambitions. As the legal proceedings unfold and potential reconciliation pathways are explored, the political community will closely monitor how these developments will shape the party’s trajectory and its impact on the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
