By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun State has disavowed Mr. Sunday Olaposi Oginni’s statements regarding the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory.
The NNPP Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Comrade Olowu Olayemi Omokehinde, asserted that Oginni, purportedly a member of the party, had been suspended for anti-party activities, rendering him ineligible to speak on behalf of the NNPP.
Speaking to our correspondent at his Shimawa office on Saturday, 20, January, 2024, Omokehinde accused Oginni of impersonating a high-ranking party official, specifically claiming the position of the national secretary.
Omokehinde expressed dissatisfaction with Oginni’s alleged misrepresentation and clarified that the NNPP is content with the Supreme Court ruling affirming Governor Abiodun’s victory.
In a statement published by some media outlets, including online platforms, Oginni reportedly congratulated Governor Abiodun and endorsed the Supreme Court’s decision.
Omokehinde cautioned against attaching undue importance to Oginni’s statements, emphasizing that he is no longer a legitimate member of the NNPP.
“We are not disputing the ruling of the Supreme Court which affirmed Governor Abiodun’s Victory, but we are only saying Oginni is not a member of NNPP. So, he is not in a position to speak for the party at any level,” he said.
According to Omokehinde, the recognized members of the NNPP operate under the national chairmanship of Abba Kawu Ali.
While acknowledging the Supreme Court’s ruling, Omokehinde reiterated that Oginni’s expulsion was a result of legal processes due to violations of party regulations.
In addressing the allegations of factionalism within the NNPP Ogun State chapter and national level, Omokehinde identified General Dipo Olayoku as the authentic national secretary, emphasizing the need to avoid impersonation within the party ranks.
Omokehinde emphasized labeling Oginni’s group as a “cash-and-carry” faction, accusing them of working for other political parties in the state. He called on the Ogun State government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level to address the prevailing challenges faced by Nigerians.
“The real NNPP is only calling on the State Government and the APC government at the national level to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians which exacerbated since they (APC) got into power,” he said.