Kwankwaso-led NNPP Slams Hon. Justice Bello Kawu Over Judgment

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned a recent judgment by Hon. Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court, Apo, described it as “a textbook example of judicial rascality.”

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, in a statement released on Tuesday, said the judgment was a “dangerous low in our judicial history” and a “grand scheme of desperation” by opponents to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also said the court had acted with “audacious disregard” for established legal hierarchy and the doctrine of stare decisis, attempting to sit on appeal over a decision of another High Court in Abia State.

Johnson claimed that a group of expelled members, allegedly working with Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, had approached the FCT High Court seeking a fresh judicial review of a matter pending before the Court of Appeal, Owerri, adding that “it is a blatant disregard for the rule of sub judice.”

He alleged that the court’s decision to proceed despite not being served with court processes was a “fatal blow to the principle of fair hearing.”

“The party had filed an affidavit stating that substituted service was effected at an address not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the court ignored it.

“The party sees the judgment as a threat to democracy and the credibility of the 2027 elections. This judgment will further erode the confidence of Nigerians and the international community in our judiciary,” Johnson said.

He added that the party has vowed to appeal the judgment and is confident that the appellate courts will rectify the “anomaly.”

Johnson urged NNPP members and supporters not to be discouraged, accusing opponents of orchestrating a “grand scheme to hijack the party,” but expressed confidence that it would fail, saying the party remains a “fortress” and the judgment is merely a “temporary detour.”