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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has lauded the Abuja High Court’s decision nullifying the expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the judgment as a “resounding affirmation of the rule of law and internal party democracy.”

Hon. Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, recently secured a legal victory after the court declared his expulsion by a faction of the PDP invalid. In response, the CNPP issued a formal statement congratulating him and urging political parties across the country to uphold internal democracy and discipline.

“The judgment has once again demonstrated the judiciary’s role as the bastion of democracy, protecting not only the rights of individuals but also the integrity of political processes in our country,” said Comrade James Ezema, CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, in the statement.

The umbrella body of political parties underscored the importance of respecting due process within political organizations, emphasizing that only recognized structures like the National Executive Committee (NEC) have the constitutional authority to discipline members.

“This reinforces the importance of internal party democracy and warns against the dangers of factional power plays and personalized vendettas,” Ezema noted.

In a strongly worded appeal, the CNPP warned political leaders against allowing internal conflicts to derail the collective interest of their parties. “Political parties are the foundational pillars of any democracy, and as such, must operate in accordance with their constitutions, rules, and regulations,” the group stated.

Highlighting the risk of factionalism and personal vendettas, the CNPP cautioned that such behavior erodes public trust and hampers Nigeria’s democratic development.

“The pursuit of personal vendettas at the expense of party stability erodes public confidence, fosters instability, and ultimately dwarfs the democratic progress Nigeria has made since the return to civilian rule in 1999,” the statement continued.

The CNPP called on political actors to recommit to democratic values such as fairness, justice, and inclusiveness. It stressed that political parties must be guided by their foundational principles, not the ambitions of a few individuals.

“We stand in solidarity with Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and all those who continue to defend democratic ideals against authoritarian tendencies within our political institutions,” Ezema concluded.

The court ruling and CNPP’s position come at a time when the PDP and other major political parties are facing internal divisions, often fueled by power tussles and competing personal interests.

Political analysts view CNPP’s intervention as timely, given growing calls for reforms within Nigeria’s political parties and concerns about the stability of the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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