The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and 45 lawmakers elected on its platform in 2023 have failed to meet constitutional requirements for resigning from the party.
The party made the claim in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major, and General Secretary, Oginni Olaposi, on Monday.
Titled “Purported Resignation of Membership of the NNPP by Certain Elected Public Office Holders — Formal Notice of Non-compliance with the Party Constitution and Applicable Electoral Laws”, the letter challenged the validity of the affected politicians’ alleged resignations.
The NNPP said its constitution, as amended in 2023, provides procedures for members seeking to leave the party, while relevant electoral laws govern political party membership and participation in elections.
“It is the considered position of the NNPP that the elected members have not complied with the constitutional requirements governing resignation from the party,” the letter stated.
The party said it did not recognise the purported resignations as valid and maintained that its membership records had not been lawfully altered to reflect the affected politicians’ departure.
It added that it did not oppose members’ freedom to join other political parties but insisted that they must follow due process.
The NNPP specifically objected to attempts by the affected politicians to rely on their alleged resignations to claim membership of, or seek nomination from, other registered political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the group included 18 members of the House of Representatives and 27 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, alongside the governor.
It urged INEC not to treat the alleged resignations or changes of party affiliation as established facts without considering its official membership records and the applicable legal requirements.
According to the party, any attempt by the affected politicians to secure nominations or sponsorship from other parties for the 2027 elections must comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.
The NNPP also asked the commission to formally acknowledge its objection when considering correspondence, documentation or nomination processes involving the politicians.
It warned that it would pursue legal remedies, including court proceedings, to protect its rights and challenge actions it considers inconsistent with the law.
The party further maintained that its national chairman and general secretary were authorised to confirm its membership records to INEC, adding that the affected politicians remained NNPP members unless formally cleared by the national secretariat.
It also warned that membership of two political parties simultaneously for electoral purposes would violate applicable electoral laws and guidelines.
NNPP Says Kano Governor, 45 Legislators Failed To Complete Resignation Process
