NNPP Lagos throws weight behind APC in LG Polls

By Joy Enamuna

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Lagos State has announced its decision to form a strategic alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of today’s local government elections, citing internal challenges and unresolved issues with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Lagos State Chairperson of the NNPP, Princess Anikè Teniola Adebowale, the party expressed regret over its inability to field candidates for the 2025 Lagos LG polls.

The setback, the party explained, stems from what it described as INEC’s failure to update its records and upload the authentic National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Major Agbo Gilbert to the commission’s server.

Despite securing court victories against the faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima, the NNPP leadership in Lagos lamented that INEC’s administrative delay has stalled its electoral participation in the state.

“It is indeed unfortunate and regrettable,” the statement read, “that despite court rulings in our favour, INEC’s inability to act swiftly has denied us the opportunity to present candidates.”

The statement also took aim at Senator Kwankwaso, accusing him of attempting to hijack the party after joining in 2022 to pursue his presidential ambition.

According to the Lagos NNPP, the former Kano governor’s directive to his loyalists in Lagos to abstain from the elections is a sign of waning influence and internal discontent.

The party further alleged that Senator Kwankwaso’s interest in politics remains rooted in Kano State and questioned his national political relevance.

It claimed that efforts by Kwankwaso to rebrand the party’s identity—particularly the use of red as a dominant colour and alterations to its logo—were attempts to personalize the party for private interest, linking the imagery to his political movement and personal institutions.

Referencing a string of legal battles, the party said it is prepared to pursue further legal action if INEC continues to delay compliance with existing court judgments.

“We may be compelled to seek a mandamus order to compel INEC to do the needful,” the statement added.

While acknowledging the political pressures facing electoral institutions, the NNPP Lagos leadership called on its members to remain calm but proactive.

“We hereby direct all members of our party in Lagos State to come out en masse this morning, July 12, to vote for the candidates of our sister party, the APC,” Princess Adebowale stated.

The party emphasized that this alliance is temporary and strategic, aimed at protecting the broader interest of its members in the absence of a fair playing field.