Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder and Board of Trustees Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has announced that the party will avoid granting an automatic presidential ticket for the 2027 election. He characterized the previous decision to hand Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso an automatic candidacy in 2023 as a strategic error.
Speaking from Lagos, Aniebonam stated that the party is currently vetting three potential candidates. These individuals will undergo a thorough screening process to evaluate their loyalty, competence, and ability to win in the upcoming election. This shift follows the party’s recent submission of a placeholder candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to satisfy procedural mandates.
Reflecting on the 2023 cycle, Aniebonam noted that internal conflicts and legal challenges involving Kwankwaso and his supporters hindered the party’s progress and resulted in several members defecting to other organizations. He expressed relief that the party avoided a total takeover and encouraged former members to return, promising a transparent and inclusive environment.
The party is also preparing for an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to discuss the convention schedule and potential legal actions against INEC regarding alleged non-compliance with court orders. Aniebonam highlighted that the party plans to offer reduced nomination fees and concessions for women and persons with disabilities, while remaining open to forming alliances with ideologically aligned groups.
