The founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Aniebonam, has reacted to the verdict of the appeal court in Abuja today, November 17, 2023, which upheld the removal of the governor of Kano state, Abbah Yusuf, from office. Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of the NNPP, was sacked by a lower court on the grounds that he was not a valid member of the party.
Dr Aniebonam said he was shocked by the decision of the appeal court, which he described as unfair and unjust. He said he believed that only the NNPP and its members had the right to determine who belonged to the party or not. He also said that the party had the power to grant a waiver to anyone who wanted to contest an election under its banner.
Dr Aniebonam also expressed his confidence in the leadership of Governor Yusuf, who he said had performed well in delivering good governance, security, and development to the people of Kano state. He said that Yusuf had the support and mandate of the majority of the voters in the state, who chose him over the candidates of other parties.
He said, “I do know and believe that it is only someone who contested nomination under NNPP that can challenge the membership of the party in an election. To the contrary no other person has the locus standi to raise objection.” He added that the NNPP would not allow anyone to undermine the will of the people or the integrity of the party.
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He urged all the members of the NNPP and the people of Kano state to remain calm and hopeful in the face of this avoidable circumstance. He said that God would have the final say in the matter. He said, “I hereby encourage all members of our great party and indeed the indigenes of Kano in particular to keep faith with the final decision of God under this avoidable circumstance. God bless everyone.”
Dr Aniebonam is the founder of the NNPP, a political party that was registered in 2002.