Politics
Forgive IBB, NNPP Pleads With Nigerians
The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) led by Dr Boniface Aniebonam on Sunday, urged Nigerians to forgive former military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida over the annulled June 12, presidential elections.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General in Lagos, Mr Major Agbo, the NNPP stated that “IBB displayed a rare remorse by apologising to Nigerians on June 12.”
“The NNPP notes with great admiration, the courage displayed by IBB for taking responsibility over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections.”
“The fact is not lost on NNPP that it is a rare display of remorse for a Nigerian leader to acknowledge a mistake, and seek forgiveness, an attribute which our great party holds as one of the ingredients needed for new Nigeria,” it stated.
The party further said that “with this remorse, Nigerians will lay to rest all agitations, bitterness and hatred over June 12, 1993 elections”.
The NNPP, however, lauded the courage of those who fought for the actualisation of the June 12 result and also prayed that those who lost their lives in the struggle would rest in perfect peace in the bosom of God.
“Particular mention must be made of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the election and his darling wife late Mrs kudirat Abiola.”
Both lost their lives in the struggle to actualise the election result.
“ We acknowledge that no amount of apology can bring back these precious jewels and many others who died as a consequence of that mistake.”
“We, however, want to say that in line with the teaching of the holy books, we should let by gone be by gone.”
According to the party, in the spirit of national reconciliation, it appeals to members of late M.K.O. Abiola’s family in particular and the entire aggrieved Nigerian community in general to put the entire episode behind them as Christians and Moslems.”
“We do hope that other past leaders who might have made such mistakes would toe the line of reconciliation with Nigerians.”
“Perhaps, if there is anything Gen. Babangida and any other such past leader could do to assuage the feelings of people, now is the time to do it.”
“No sacrifice is too much for the sake of our dear country,” it added.
The NNPP also stated that the time was ripe for proper re-alignment that would enable politicians of like minds to come together under the same umbrella to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.
The party announced that it intended to extend its hand of fellowship to great hands, like any Nigerian who is at cross-roads in whatever political camp they belong to be part of a new direction for Nigeria using its platforms.
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.