NNPP Disowns Planned Protest Against INEC, Calls Organisers ‘Impostors’

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has publicly distanced itself from a planned protest seeking to challenge the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the organisers as “impostors” acting without the party’s authorisation. The leadership of the NNPP emphasised that it was not involved in, nor did it endorse, any demonstration aimed at pressuring the electoral body.

In a statement issued on January 19, 2026, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said the NNPP was aware of messages circulating on social media calling on supporters to gather in protest against INEC. However, he clarified that the calls for action were initiated by unaffiliated individuals and do not reflect the official position of the party.

“The New Nigeria Peoples Party wishes to categorically disown the planned protest against INEC,” Johnson said. “Those calling for demonstrations are impostors who do not represent the party’s views, structures or leadership.” He urged members and the public not to be misled by unauthorised groups purporting to act on behalf of the NNPP.

The statement noted that the party remains committed to upholding democratic principles, including the right to peaceful assembly, but stressed that any public actions must be sanctioned by the party’s proper organs. Johnson warned that the use of the NNPP name or logo by unauthorised actors could lead to confusion and misrepresentation, and the party would take steps to address any misuse of its identity.

Political observers say the clarification reflects broader concerns among party leaders about maintaining organisational discipline and avoiding actions that could be misinterpreted as incitement or civil unrest. The NNPP has faced internal pressures in recent months amid rumours of high-profile defections and speculation over its future alignment with other political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The disputed protest reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction with aspects of INEC’s preparations or decision-making processes, although the specifics of the planned demonstration were not formally articulated by its unnamed organisers. Despite this, the social media invitations gained traction among some youth groups and disappointed party followers, leading to concern within the NNPP leadership about its potential impact.

Johnson reiterated that the party’s official position on electoral matters is to pursue institutional engagement, legal recourse and dialogue rather than street protests. He said the NNPP remains committed to working within Nigeria’s constitutional framework to address grievances and ensure that the voice of its supporters is heard through recognised and lawful channels.

The NNPP’s leadership also emphasised that effective communication within the party and with its grassroots supporters is a priority, promising to provide accurate information about its stance on electoral issues and national governance. By distancing itself from the unapproved protest, the party aims to avoid association with actions that could be misread as endorsing unrest or undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.

The clarification from the NNPP comes at a time when political tensions are high across Nigeria, with multiple parties navigating defections, internal realignments and strategic positioning ahead of 2027. Analysts say clear messaging from party leadership is essential to prevent confusion and retain cohesion among supporters, particularly when unauthorised actors attempt to leverage political frustrations for their own agendas.

By calling the planned protest organisers “impostors,” the NNPP leadership sent a firm message that it will not be drawn into actions that fall outside established processes and the party’s strategic objectives. The statement underscored the party’s preference for peaceful, lawful engagement and its commitment to preserving the integrity of democratic practice.