By Peter Omopo
July 12, 2025 | Agency Report – The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has attributed its failure to field candidates in Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos State to internal leadership disputes and delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in updating the party’s official records.
The elections, conducted across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, did not feature any NNPP contenders — a development the party described as “unfortunate and regrettable.”
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, said the party was unable to participate due to unresolved internal crises and bureaucratic challenges.
“We regret to inform all members of our great party that despite the double victory judgments we received, we could not put our house in order for effective campaigns and participation,” Olaposi said.
He pointed to the factional conflict within the party, particularly the ongoing power tussle involving the camp loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a key factor behind the disarray.
“In the build-up to the election, we were still immersed in internal wrangling, following the move by the Senator Kwankwaso-led group to hijack the leadership of the NNPP,” he noted.
Olaposi also accused INEC of contributing to the party’s inability to contest, stating that the commission failed to amend its records to reflect the authentic leadership of the party.
“We were delayed by the inability of INEC to amend our old records and upload our authentic National Working Committee, led by Dr. Agbo Major, on its server,” he added.
The party, however, expressed hope that the issues would be resolved ahead of future elections, assuring members and supporters of a more organized and unified approach moving forward.
