The warning was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the founder of the NNPP and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Boniface Aniebonam.
Aniebonam said the party’s leadership had become aware of individuals whom it described as expelled members who were allegedly presenting themselves as NNPP leaders and representatives for political and financial purposes.
According to him, some of the individuals had been expelled from the party and, in the NNPP’s account, their status had been affirmed through court judgments and recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that the individuals were using the party’s name to approach political parties and candidates, including in connection with nomination fees and proposed political alliances.
The NNPP founder consequently advised political actors to verify the identity and authority of anyone claiming to represent the party before entering into any financial or political arrangement with them.
He specifically urged the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to exercise caution when dealing with persons presenting themselves as NNPP representatives.
Aniebonam also stated that any political party, candidate or participant in a proposed coalition who may have paid money to individuals claiming to represent the NNPP should seek clarification and, where appropriate, request a refund from those individuals.
NNPP: We Are Not Part of Any Coalition
A major point raised in the statement was the NNPP’s position on the growing coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Aniebonam said the NNPP, identified by its basket-of-fruits logo, had not joined any political coalition.
He stressed that the party remained an independent political organisation and would determine its own position on alliances based on its interests and decisions.
“The authentic NNPP with the basket of fruits logo is not a member of any coalition,” Aniebonam stated, adding that the party would announce any decision regarding strategic alliances if and when such an arrangement became necessary.
The statement comes against the backdrop of wider discussions among opposition parties about cooperation and possible alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Several opposition groups have been involved in talks on coordinated political strategies and, in some cases, the possibility of a common platform or candidate.
There have also been differing statements about the NNPP’s possible cooperation with other parties. In March 2026, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson said the party would align with the ADC for the presidential election, while later statements from Aniebonam have emphasised that the party retains the authority to decide whether and with whom it will form any strategic alliance.
Party Identifies Recognised Officials
To prevent further confusion over who has authority to speak for the NNPP, Aniebonam listed officials he said have the mandate to represent the party and make decisions on its behalf.
The officials he identified are:
- Dr Boniface Aniebonam — Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees
- Dr Agbo Major — National Chairman
- Mr Oginni Olaposi — National Secretary
- Prince Toyese — National Treasurer
- Aisha Kade Onyia — National Woman Leader
Aniebonam said these are the officials recognised by INEC as the authentic leadership of the party.
The clarification is significant because the NNPP has experienced internal leadership disputes and litigation in recent years. In May 2026, Aniebonam announced a general pardon for previously expelled members and said members affected by the party’s internal crisis could return to the organisation under the recognised leadership structure.
The party also previously said it had overcome delays associated with its internal disputes and had submitted candidates for a large majority of elective positions for the 2027 elections.
Warning to Political Parties and Candidates
The latest statement therefore places political parties and prospective candidates on notice that the NNPP wants all dealings with its representatives to be properly verified.
Aniebonam’s warning is particularly relevant as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with INEC’s recognised parties already working on candidates, alliances and campaign structures. As of September 2026, the NNPP remains among the political parties recognised by INEC for the election cycle.
For now, the NNPP says it remains independent and has not formally entered into any coalition. Any future strategic alliance, according to Aniebonam, will be announced by the recognised leadership of the party rather than by individuals acting without authorisation.
