Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Federal Capital Territory Division, has granted an interim injunction prohibiting the Boniface Aneibonam-led faction of the New Nigerian Peoples Party from conducting congresses or state conventions under the party’s name.
The ruling was made following 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.
In suit number FCT/HC/CV/5518/2024, Justice Hassan instructed Aneibonam and his associates to cease all official activities and refrain from presenting themselves as representatives of the NNPP. The injunction will remain in effect until the court hears a motion on notice for interlocutory relief.
The court also restrained INEC from recognizing or responding to any correspondence from the defendants or from overseeing their activities in any official capacity. INEC has been ordered to disengage from any official dealings with the faction.
The case has been adjourned to January 27, 2025, for a hearing on the motion.
Reacting to the court’s decision, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling it a significant step in confirming the party’s legitimate leadership. Johnson accused Aneibonam and his associates of acting on behalf of opposition parties and attempting to mislead the public regarding the rightful leadership of the NNPP, its logo, and colors.
He further stated that the court’s order prohibits the defendants and their agents from engaging in any activities under the NNPP’s name. He emphasized that the injunction also prevents INEC from interacting with the faction or monitoring their unauthorized congresses.
Johnson concluded by reiterating that the party remains focused on its goals despite these challenges and expressed hope that the defendants would appear in court to ensure the unlawful use of the party’s name is permanently halted.
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.
“Similarly, the court restrained INEC from receiving or responding to any correspondence from them or monitoring their illegal congresses,” he added.
