The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced the shelving of its planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it took the decision to prevent the demonstration from being hijacked by hoodlums and political opponents with the potential to disrupt public order.
The party had earlier scheduled the protest for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Abuja, to press for compliance with court orders on the recognition of its authentic executives led by Dr. Agbo Major.
In a statement on Monday signed by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Founder and Chairman of the NNPP Board of Trustees, the party said it remained committed to securing justice through lawful and peaceful means, but that the timing could jeopardise national peace and unity if it went ahead with the protest.
“We are law-abiding citizens and our quest for justice will always respect the peace and unity of Nigeria,” the statement said, while expressing disappointment at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s handling of the party’s leadership registration.
The NNPP maintained that its agitation stems from what it described as INEC’s continued disregard for valid court orders directing the commission to recognise the leadership of the party under Dr. Agbo Major.
The party said the Abia State High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, had both issued orders restraining INEC from dealing with a rival faction led by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, a matter still under judicial review.
The statement said the protest was intended to highlight concerns that INEC had delayed updating its records to reflect the judgments, which the NNPP said was hampering the party’s internal affairs and compliance with electoral law.
However, the NNPP emphasised that putting the planned protest on hold was necessary to ensure the safety of Nigerians and the country’s democratic processes. The party called on its members to remain calm and patient while urging a continued focus on lawful avenues to resolve the dispute.
The NNPP said it hopes the outstanding issues will be resolved soon and that justice will prevail, reaffirming its commitment to upholding peace and supporting efforts toward national stability.
