Kwankwaso-Led NNPP Denounces FCT High Court Ruling as 'Judicial Rascality' Amid Intensifying Leadership Tussle

The Kwankwaso-led NNPP condemns an FCT High Court judgment, citing a breach of sub judice rules and procedural lapses ahead of the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 7:13 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Allegations of Judicial Overreach and Procedural Lapses

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under the leadership of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a scathing critique of a recent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court in Apo. In a statement released on Tuesday, National Publicity Secretary Bamofin Ladipo Johnson described the ruling as a "textbook example of judicial rascality." The party contends that the court acted with an "audacious disregard" for established legal hierarchy by attempting to sit on appeal over a decision previously rendered by a High Court in Abia State. This move, according to the NNPP, constitutes a dangerous precedent that threatens the stability of the Nigerian judiciary.

The Conflict of Jurisdiction and Sub Judice Concerns

Central to the NNPP’s grievance is the claim that a group of expelled members, reportedly aligned with Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, approached the FCT High Court while a similar matter was already pending before the Court of Appeal in Owerri. Johnson argued that the court's decision to entertain the suit was a blatant violation of the sub judice rule, which prevents courts from adjudicating on matters currently under consideration by a higher tribunal. The party maintains that this "grand scheme of desperation" is an attempt by internal and external opponents to hijack the party’s administrative structure through the back door of the judicial system.

Principles of Fair Hearing and Substituted Service

The NNPP further alleged that the principle of fair hearing was severely compromised during the proceedings. According to Johnson, the party was never properly served with court processes at a recognized address. Despite filing an affidavit stating that substituted service was attempted at a location not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the court allegedly ignored these procedural objections. This failure to verify service, the party claims, dealt a "fatal blow" to the legitimacy of the judgment and raises serious questions about the transparency of the legal process in this specific case.