Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Division, has issued an interim injunction restraining the Boniface Aneibonam-led faction of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) from conducting local, state, and zonal congresses, as well as state conventions, under the party’s name.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by the NNPP, led by National Chairman Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, alongside 19 members of the party’s National Working Committee, against Aneibonam, 19 others, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In suit number FCT/HC/CV/5518/2024, Justice Hassan directed Aneibonam and his associates to refrain from carrying out any official activities or presenting themselves as representatives of the NNPP. The injunction will remain in place pending the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory relief.
The court also restrained INEC from recognizing or responding to any correspondence from the defendants or from monitoring or supervising their activities under the NNPP’s name. INEC has been ordered to cease engagement with the faction in any official capacity.
The case has been adjourned to January 27, 2025, for a hearing on the motion.
Reacting to the court’s decision, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, expressed satisfaction, describing the ruling as a significant step in affirming the party’s rightful leadership.
In a statement, Johnson accused Aneibonam and his associates of acting as tools for opposition parties. “Dr. Aneibonam and his co-travelers were expelled by the party, and since then, they have been attempting to confuse the public about the rightful leadership, logo, and colors of the NNPP,” he said.
Johnson further noted that the court’s order effectively bars the defendants and their agents from engaging in any activity under the NNPP’s name. “Similarly, the court restrained INEC from receiving or responding to any correspondence from them or monitoring their illegal congresses,” he added.
He reiterated that the party remains focused despite the distractions. “We hope they will appear in court to ensure their unlawful use of the party’s name is permanently halted,” Johnson concluded.