2027: NNPP drags INEC, 45 lawmakers to court over defection

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has filed a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 45 lawmakers at the Federal High Court in Abuja over the defection of lawmakers elected on its platform in the 2023 general election.

The NNPP is asking the court to determine the constitutional implications of the lawmakers’ alleged move to other political parties while retaining the seats they won on the NNPP platform.

According to court documents, the lawmakers include members of the Kano State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

The NNPP alleged that the lawmakers joined other political parties without completing the party’s resignation process, adding that some of them have already appeared on INEC’s list of candidates for the 2027 elections under different political platforms.

The party argued that the lawmakers’ names still appear on its membership register despite their alleged affiliation with other parties, describing the situation as a violation of constitutional and electoral provisions governing party membership and defection.

It stated that it had earlier written to INEC on October 19, 2026, urging the commission to investigate the alleged defections and take appropriate action.

The NNPP also relied on provisions of its constitution, stressing that none of the lawmakers obtained the necessary clearance from its Board of Trustees before leaving the party.

The NNPP further cited previous court judgments affirming the authority of its Board of Trustees in the administration of party affairs.

The party told the court that it had neither merged with any political party nor ceased to exist, arguing that the alleged defections do not fall under the constitutional exceptions that allow lawmakers to retain their seats after changing parties.

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It is seeking judicial interpretation of Sections 68 and 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which deal with the defection of members of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.

The NNPP urged the court to direct the appropriate legislative authorities to take constitutional steps regarding the affected seats, including declaring them vacant where necessary and conducting bye-elections.

The NNPP added that it is ready to participate in any by-elections that may arise from the court’s decision.

The suit follows an earlier warning by the party’s Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who rejected attempts to backdate resignation letters for members accused of failing to comply with the party’s exit procedures before joining other political parties ahead of the 2027 general election.