E-Registration Delay by INEC Slows NNPP Membership Drive, Says Founder

The founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Boniface Aniebonam, has raised concerns over delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in updating the party’s leadership structure on its portal, saying the setback is affecting the party’s nationwide membership registration drive.

Aniebonam explained that INEC’s failure to upload the current leadership details is preventing the party from conducting electronic membership registration, a key requirement for political parties under Nigeria’s electoral laws.

He noted that the delay has created administrative setbacks, slowing the party’s efforts to expand its membership base across the country.

The NNPP founder also linked the delay to the ongoing internal leadership tussle within the party, particularly the disagreement between factions loyal to him and those aligned with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to Aniebonam, INEC has yet to fully recognise the Agbo Major-led National Working Committee, despite a court order directing the commission to do so.

This delay is regrettable and embarrassing, and it risks weakening the party’s organisational structure ahead of future elections,” he said, urging INEC to immediately update the party’s leadership information to allow the smooth rollout of the e-registration exercise.

Political analysts say the development underscores the growing importance of digital membership registers, which Nigerian political parties must maintain to remain compliant with electoral regulations and prepare for primaries and elections.