Kano Governor, Kwankwaso absent as Major emerges NNPP national chairman
The New Nigeria Peoples Party has elected Dr Agbo Major as its new National Chairman at a convention held on Wednesday.
However, notable party figures, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, were absent from the event.
Efforts to reach Kwankwaso and Yusuf for comments on their absence were unsuccessful, as their phone lines were not reachable.
The convention, which lasted from 9 pm on Tuesday until 4 am on Wednesday, saw the election of several other party officials.
Mr Oginni Olaposi was named National Secretary, Chief Felix Chukwurah became Deputy National Chairman (South), and Alhaji Babayo Muhammed was elected Deputy National Chairman (North).
Others include Mr Adetoyese Omokanye as National Treasurer and Abdulrasaq Abdulsallam as National Publicity Secretary.
The delegates also elected Hajia Aisha Kade as the National Woman Leader, Chief Edward Ofomona as the National Youth Leader, and Omolara Johnson as the National Organising Secretary, among others.
PUNCH Online learned that the convention was attended by members of the party’s Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, and all elected office holders of the party nationwide.
The event followed a judgment by the Abia High Court on November 1, 2024, which directed the NNPP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by founder Dr Boniface Aniebonam, to restructure the party from ward congresses up to the national level.
The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the new party leadership.
Speaking at the convention, Aniebonam told the members that, pursuant to the judgment of the court, the board had successfully repositioned and reconstituted its ward executive and zonal officers.
“Today, the board shall conclude its assignment through a national convention to elect and establish its national working committee to take charge of its administration and management.
“In carrying out these responsibilities, INEC and other security agencies were duly notified,” Aniebonam said.
In his welcome address, the BoT Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Babayo, said the party remained united and focused on its vision of providing credible leadership and governance that would prioritise the needs of Nigerians.
Babayo said that the resolve to move forward was collective, and any speculation to the contrary would be baseless.
He urged the newly elected executives to lead the party with diligence, integrity, and dedication.
“The task ahead is huge, but with unity, hard work, and a clear vision, we will continue to strengthen the NNPP and position it as a true vehicle for change in Nigeria,” Babayo added.
Also speaking, the new national chairman urged all aggrieved members of the party to return home and contribute towards its development.
Major said, “I thank all delegates present here today for this huge confidence reposed in me. I won’t take this trust for granted.
“The National Working Committee under me as elected today is poised to deliver. We are committed to repositioning our party for 2027, and this we will do vigorously.
“I urge all other elected officials at all levels to key into this new move to reposition our dear party for optimal performance.
“We will not tolerate anything short of the expected standards and benchmarks drawn to keep you on your toes.
“The National Secretary will issue directives to this effect soon.”
