The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has announced that the party will soon adopt a frontline presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Aniebonam disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that prolonged litigation over the party’s leadership affected its ability to select and process a presidential candidate capable of competing with leading contenders from other political parties.
He said the party had initially submitted a placeholder candidate while searching for a suitable presidential aspirant with the character, competence and capacity to lead Nigeria.
According to him, although the Independent National Electoral Commission recognised the National Working Committee led by Dr. Agbo Major, the time available after the recognition was insufficient to complete the process of selecting the party’s preferred candidate.
Aniebonam said the party had learnt from its experience in the 2023 general election and was determined not to repeat what he described as a mistake in its choice of presidential candidate.
“The NNPP is firm with its manifesto and requirements for a presidential candidate. We made a mistake with Kwankwaso in 2023 and do not want to repeat it,” he said.
He added that the party was not desperate to take control of the federal government at all costs, stressing that its decision would be guided by its principles and the need to support a candidate considered suitable for the country.
The NNPP founder said the party’s national leadership would meet soon to conclude arrangements for adopting the candidate and formally communicate its decision to Nigerians.
He maintained that the party’s priority was to support a candidate it believed could deliver good governance and serve the interests of Nigerians.
“The one thing that is sacrosanct is that we will adopt a candidate who we believe is best for Nigeria and Nigerians,” Aniebonam said.
NNPP Members, Maritime Stakeholders to Participate
Aniebonam further disclosed that members of the party, maritime practitioners, shippers and other stakeholders in the maritime transport and logistics sectors would contribute to the decision on which presidential candidate the NNPP would support.
He said the party’s decision would therefore involve consultations with relevant groups rather than being determined solely by its leadership.
While the NNPP plans to adopt a candidate for the presidency, Aniebonam stressed that the party remained committed to contesting other elective positions across the country.
He described the party’s participation in the remaining elections as non-negotiable, noting that its candidates would continue their campaigns.
“For now, the only position we will no longer be contesting for is the presidency. By 2031, we will have a presidential candidate to compete favourably with other political parties,” he added.
The development signals the NNPP’s intention to pursue a strategic alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election while retaining its candidates for other elective offices.