The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has criticized the blame game against the Presidency and President Bola Tinubu over the recent court ruling against Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). NNPP's Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, stated that such blame is unwarranted and will not change the court's decision. He urged Nigerians to view the judgment from an unbiased perspective.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5 nullified the leadership of the ADC led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated all decisions taken by the party under Mark's leadership, including Atiku's emergence as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Justice Peter Lifu declared the Mark-led Caretaker Committee illegal, nullifying the process through which it conducted the party's presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flag bearer.
Aniebonam expressed concern over the tendency to judge judicial decisions based on their political consequences. He stated that a judgment having political consequences does not establish that it was politically procured. Aniebonam emphasized the need to differentiate between questioning the reasoning of a judgment and questioning the integrity of the judicial officer who delivered it.
The NNPP chairman pointed out that rather than continuing to deliberate on sentiments, the Mark-led ADC should continue with legal proceedings to the Supreme Court or seek a stay of execution of the judgment on the matter until the elections are over. He cited NNPP's experience in a long-drawn-out legal battle over leadership and noted that the party never blamed the Presidency.
Aniebonam cautioned the media against making inflammatory statements that might trigger negative reactions from Nigerians and the international community. He urged Nigerian elites and compatriots to guard their utterances and prioritize the nation's unity and peace in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Aniebonam also emphasized that in all political parties, some people will always feel aggrieved after internal primaries. He stated that the onus is on the leadership to find ways to resolve internal crises and, if possible, stop matters from going to litigation. Aniebonam expressed hope that all concerned parties will be more constructive in their utterances and discuss issues rather than individual attacks.
The NNPP's position comes as Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections. Aniebonam's statement reflects the party's commitment to promoting constructive dialogue and prioritizing national unity. The court's ruling against Atiku Abubakar has generated significant attention, with various stakeholders reacting to the development.
Key points
- NNPP criticizes blame game against Presidency over court ruling on Atiku Abubakar
- Party urges Nigerians to view judgment from unbiased perspective
- NNPP emphasizes need for constructive dialogue and national unity ahead of 2027 elections
