In a statement on Monday in Lagos, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), clarified that there is no faction within the party.
Dismissing the notion of a faction, Aniebonam emphasized that he does not acknowledge any split in the NNPP.
Emphasizing his role in the party, he asserted, “I am the founder and father of the NNPP since 2002, with undisputed ownership of the party’s registration certificate.”
Referring to Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and his supporters as a faction before being expelled from NNPP, Aniebonam stated, “It is Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and his followers that were a faction before he was expelled from the NNPP.”
Expressing regret over recent events, Aniebonam highlighted his initial intentions to support Kwankwaso and the kwankwasiya movement in the upcoming 2023 elections, aiming for unity within NNPP.
He maintained, “It shall never be my intention to lead a faction in a party that I founded, nurtured, financed, and supervised for 22 years prior to Kwankwaso’s involvement.”
Aniebonam expressed optimism for the resolution of internal conflicts within NNPP, stating, “It is my belief that the end shall justify the means and coercion, application of nonconformity means do not usually resolve internal crisis.”
Encouraging unity, he urged Nigerians to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu to realize the vision of new hope for the country.