The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has urged Nigerians to stop blaming President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency for the Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
The party’s Board of Trustees Chairman and founder, Boniface Aniebonam, made the call in a statement on Monday, urging critics to examine the judgment objectively rather than attribute it to political interference.
Aniebonam said the political consequences of a court ruling did not automatically mean it was influenced by the Presidency, adding that anyone alleging executive interference or judicial compromise should provide credible evidence.
He distinguished between criticising the reasoning behind a judgment and questioning the integrity of the judge who delivered it, saying the latter required evidence.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on November 5, nullified the leadership of the ADC caretaker committee led by former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under its authority.
Justice Peter Lifu also nullified the process through which the committee conducted the party’s presidential primary, which produced Atiku as its candidate, as well as the emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
Aniebonam advised the Mark-led faction to pursue further legal action at the Supreme Court or seek a stay of execution of the judgment to protect its participation in the 2027 elections.
He said the NNPP had also faced prolonged leadership disputes but continued its legal battles without blaming the Presidency.
The party founder urged political parties to resolve internal disputes before taking them to court, noting that judicial decisions could favour or go against any of the parties involved.
He also cautioned the media against publishing inflammatory statements capable of provoking tension or damaging Nigeria’s image internationally.
Aniebonam called on political leaders and other Nigerians to exercise restraint in their public comments and prioritise national unity and peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
