The leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) loyal to the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has threatened to stage a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja over what it described as the commission’s continued refusal to comply with court judgments recognising its National Executive Committee (NEC).

The decision was reached at an emergency closed-door meeting held in Lagos on Wednesday, where members of the party’s National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees reviewed the lingering leadership dispute and its implications for the party ahead of future elections.

The meeting, which took place at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, was attended by party stakeholders from across the country.

Reading the communique issued at the end of the deliberations, the party’s Head of Strategy and Planning, Dr. Clement Iwegbuna, said members had resolved to mobilise for a protest at INEC’s national headquarters after previous efforts to secure compliance through dialogue and legal processes failed.

“We have had enough of dilly-dallying and antics of INEC. Our members shall be at INEC headquarters in Abuja until the commission implements the court orders,” the communiqué stated.

According to the party, several court judgments, including decisions of courts in Abia State, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo and the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division, had resolved the leadership dispute in favour of the NEC led by Dr. Major Agbo.

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The party accused the electoral commission of disregarding valid court orders, including a mandamus order said to have been issued by Justice Bello Kawu directing INEC to recognise the Major-led leadership and update its records accordingly.

“The NNPP views INEC’s insistence on disobeying court judgments, including an order of mandamus given by Justice Bello Kawu to compel the commission to recognise the Major-led leadership as anarchistic, lawless and an invitation to political instability,” the party said.

The stakeholders expressed concern that despite the judicial pronouncements, the commission had yet to reflect the leadership recognised by the courts on its official platforms.

“INEC is supposed to be an unbiased umpire. We are still wondering why it has continued to disobey court orders, even though the people involved in the leadership tussle with NNPP had long joined other political parties,” the communique added.

The party further argued that INEC was constitutionally bound to respect and implement decisions of competent courts, warning that continued non-compliance could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

“INEC is not above the law and is duty-bound to obey judgments of the courts. Nigeria is too fragile now for INEC to continue playing with Nigerians’ emotions and sensibilities,” it stated.

The NNPP also called on the judiciary to safeguard the integrity of its decisions and ensure that court orders are respected by public institutions.

“We also expect the judiciary to defend, protect and guard its jurisdiction jealously and stop INEC from disrespecting it,” the party said.

Despite the unresolved leadership dispute, the party announced that it would continue the sale of nomination forms and preparations for future elections.

On the issue of opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NNPP ruled out participation in any political coalition, insisting that it would maintain its independent political identity.

The party said it had received overtures from political groups and prominent individuals seeking alliances but rejected such proposals on the grounds that many were driven by personal ambitions rather than national interest.

“We do not have a do-or-die mentality of politicking. We have turned down approaches from various parties and personalities to join their coalition because of what we perceived as the wrong approach to power,” the communique stated.

“There is nothing wrong with people aspiring to be elected into public offices, but when the motive becomes a fixation on a person, then it is a wrong motive.

“NNPP has resolved not to join any coalition of vendetta against anyone. Anybody wishing to take over power from the President must have a visible, selfless agenda, and the decision should be left to Nigerians.”