Magaji Mato: NNPP Denies Existence of Factions, Claims Are Politically Driven

Magaji Mato, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the National Legal Adviser for the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), has refuted allegations of factionalism within the party. He described these allegations as politically driven propaganda intended to mislead the public and the media.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS, held on Wednesday, Mato stated that claims of internal divisions lack both legal grounding and factual support. He emphasized that a party cannot be deemed factional merely because individuals vocalize such claims.

According to Mato, the NNPP is officially a unified entity with a singular leadership, as confirmed by records from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He identified Alhaji Ahmed Ajuji as the official national chairman of the party, as per INEC’s documentation.

Mato remarked, “Factionalism cannot be established solely on hearsay. The NNPP has maintained its status as a cohesive party, and to declare a fraction, one must present both factual and legal backing. Official records only recognize one NSPP with one leadership structure.”

He pointed to INEC's website, which clearly designates Alhaji Ahmed Ajuji as the acknowledged national chairman of the NNPP. He further noted that there has been no judicial declaration—whether by courts with or without jurisdiction—affirming the existence of factions within the party, urging that the narrative of division is merely a product of propaganda.

While acknowledging that some discontented members have taken their grievances to court, Mato noted that none have succeeded in their attempts to disrupt the party.

He accused those promoting the factional claims of attempting to mislead the public and the media, implying that their goal is to instigate a perceived crisis within the party.

Mato added, “Individuals are claiming leadership roles in various capacities, and this propaganda has led the public and the press to falsely support the notion of factionalism. However, as per the available records, no faction exists within NNPP, legally or factually. We stand ready to demonstrate this.”

He concluded, “While some disgruntled individuals have pursued legal action, none have achieved any judgments favoring their cause. All verdicts thus far have gone against them. It is clear that they are being motivated by certain political agendas designed to generate tension where none exists, seeking to create avenues for defections that are unfounded. I assure you, as the national legal advisor of NNPP, that no faction exists within our ranks, and we can substantiate that claim.”