From Okwe Obi, Abuja.
Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of being the architect of the sufferings and election defeat of opposition political parties.
He charged the commission to encourage opposition parties to thrive for the country’s democratic development by conducting credible elections.
The deputy governor stated this at the National Secretariat of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Abuja, at an annual review conducted by INEC.
“Political parties are going through hell. All these party crises are being engineered. INEC should have a way of ensuring smooth development of opposition parties. Vibrant opposition is the oxygen of our democracy. If you remove the oxygen, our democracy would not breathe.”
NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed warned party members against anti-party activities.
According to him, the party has no faction as the logo, constitution and national officers of the party are domiciled with INEC.
“What exactly is this occasion? It is the annual INEC verification exercise conducted by the electoral umpire on all registered political parties. As implied, this is a normal thing.
“However, something has made this year’s exercise one worthy of note. That is the fact that we have a group of expelled former members of our party, who have made themselves tools in the hands of another party and are being used to cause disunity and disaffection within the ranks of the New Nigeria People’s Party. “They have gone around spreading falsehoods and propaganda, unfortunately aided by some people in the 4th Estate of the Realm. They claim that the management of the party has been handed over to them.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, the fact that the electoral umpire, the regulator of parties, INEC, has come here today to perform their statutory duty shows that we have been, we are, and by God’s grace, shall continue to be the New Nigeria People’s Party.
“Furthermore, we intend to continue to play our role as the ruling party in Kano State, and a viable and constructive opposition in all other parts of the country. Let me sound a note of warning to our members; this is a democratic party.
However, we shall not tolerate members who engage in anti-party activities to do so with impunity. No matter how highly placed, all members are expected to remain disciplined and operate within the ambit of our constitution. The internal mechanisms of our party shall be guarded jealously.”
The NNPP National Legal Adviser, Robert Hon dismissed the judgement being paraded by the alleged faction of NNPP obtained from Abia State.
