By Demands Accountability
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) finds itself embroiled in a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Under the new leadership of Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, the NNPP is demanding accountability for an astounding sum of over N1 billion, raised from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms, in preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 Presidential and general election. This turmoil has gripped the nation’s political stage, with accusations of corruption, illegal impositions, and questionable candidate selections at the forefront.
A Closer Look at the NNPP Crisis
Demands Accountability
The Accusations
At the heart of the NNPP crisis lies a series of grave accusations. The new leadership, led by Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, has not minced words in accusing former party leaders, particularly Buba Galadima, of corruption and the illegal imposition of candidates. These allegations have sent shockwaves through the party and the Nigerian political landscape at large.
The Sole Presidential Candidate
Demands Accountability
One of the most contentious issues within the NNPP crisis is the presentation of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the sole presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 elections. This decision has raised numerous eyebrows and led to widespread criticism.
The NNPP’s Response
A Thorough Probe
In response to these serious allegations and concerns, the new NNPP leadership has taken decisive action. They have committed to conducting a thorough probe into the mismanagement of well over one billion naira (N1bn) generated from the sale of forms to aspirants between March 2022 and the present day. This financial scrutiny aims to restore the confidence of party members and candidates who invested their hard-earned money in purchasing forms.
Demanding Accountability
The NNPP has not stopped at a mere internal investigation. The party has resolved to invite relevant security agencies to meticulously examine the party’s accounts. This move signifies a firm commitment to transparency and accountability. The individuals under scrutiny include the party’s presidential candidate, the former party chairman who departed in March 2023, the dismissed acting chairman, and the national secretary.
Questioning the Situation Room
Demands Accountability
The party has also raised concerns about the location of the Situation Room, which was situated at the presidential candidate’s personal residence. This move is deemed illegal and has created fertile ground for alleged corruption and manipulation, leading to the imposition of candidates by Buba Galadima and his associates. In light of these allegations, the NNPP plans to establish a committee to launch a comprehensive probe into this matter.
Welcoming Complaints
Demands Accountability
The NNPP is reaching out to aggrieved candidates who believe they were shortchanged after making payments for forms into the party’s account. The party is actively encouraging written complaints from these individuals. This move underscores the party’s commitment to addressing grievances and rectifying any perceived injustices.
Fairness and Equity
Demands Accountability
One of the core principles being questioned in this crisis is the denial of other presidential aspirants the right to purchase forms and participate in the primary election, which ultimately led to the selection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the sole presidential candidate. This action has been criticized as inconsistent with the spirit of fairness and equity, which the NNPP upholds as a fundamental value.
Withdrawal from Agreements
Demands Accountability
As a further step, the NNPP has decided to withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Kwankwasiya Movement and TNM. The party asserts that the principles of these two groups seemed to be geared towards massaging the ego of their sole owner and are not in line with the NNPP’s policies of openness and inclusivity.
A Call for Calm and Reconciliation
Demands Accountability
In the midst of this turmoil, the NNPP has called upon its numerous members and supporters to remain calm. This tumultuous period has seen the Kwankwasiyya movement mistakenly believe that the party had been handed over to them. The NNPP aims to reassure all aggrieved and displaced members who left for various reasons, inviting them to return home.
A Promising Future
Demands Accountability
To pave the way for a brighter and more transparent future, the NNPP has made the resolution to overhaul its structures across all levels nationwide in the coming days and weeks. This step is seen as crucial in restoring the party’s integrity and ensuring that such crises do not recur.
In conclusion, the NNPP crisis, with its allegations of corruption, imposition of candidates, and questionable decision-making, has shaken the Nigerian political scene. Under the leadership of Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, the party is taking significant steps to address these concerns, including financial investigations, accountability measures, and a commitment to fairness and equity. The party’s call for calm and reconciliation signals a commitment to a unified and stronger NNPP in the future.
