The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) says it has uploaded a placeholder presidential candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal ahead of the 2027 general elections in compliance with electoral guidelines.

The party also announced that its original logo has been restored on the INEC portal, describing the development as recognition of the National Working Committee led by its National Chairman, Dr. Major Agbo, amid the party’s lingering leadership dispute.

The NNPP has been divided by a prolonged leadership crisis, with rival factions contesting the party’s leadership and control of its affairs ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at a press briefing, Agbo said the party’s original emblem, symbolised by a basket of fruits on the map of Nigeria, had replaced what he described as a fake logo on the INEC portal.

“We are pleased to formally announce that the logo and identity of our party have been fully restored by INEC. Our dear and very cherished ‘Basket of Fruits on Nigerian Map’ is now back on the INEC portal.

“This development reaffirms the legal and institutional integrity of the NNPP and further strengthens our determination to continue building a formidable political platform for national renewal.

“I urge everybody to visit the INEC portal and see that the previous fake logo has been pulled down and replaced with the original logo of our great party.

“It, therefore, stands to reason that all the failed hijackers have been defeated totally to serve as a warning to shameless politicians who are in the habit of reaping where they did not sow.”

Agbo also disclosed that the party had completed the upload of 355 National Assembly candidates, including placeholders, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory despite what he described as limited time following the recognition of his leadership.

“In addition, our party has completed the upload of its National Assembly members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“Despite the time constraints due to the late recognition of the legitimate National Working Committee under my leadership, our Situation Room was able to upload a total of 355 National Assembly candidates, including placeholders.

“We have equally completed the upload of our presidential flag bearer, also a placeholder, in accordance with the provisions guiding the operations of political parties in Nigeria. This is not only commendable but historic.”

The NNPP chairman declined to reveal the identity of the placeholder presidential candidate, saying the decision was intentional.

“Withholding his name and identity is a deliberate act on our part.”

He added that the process of uploading governorship and State House of Assembly candidates had commenced and would be concluded before INEC’s August 8 deadline.

Agbo urged Nigerians, particularly youths, women, professionals, workers and members of the diaspora, to join the party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

“We wish to announce that the process of uploading our governorship and state Houses of Assembly candidates has commenced and it is progressing smoothly.

“We shall invite you back here for details at the end of the exercise by 8th of August 2026 when the exercise is expected to end and give way for substitution and replacements.

“These achievements are not merely administrative exercises. They represent the strengthening of our structures and scope, the consolidation of our membership base and our readiness to provide purposeful leadership for Nigeria.

“As preparations heighten towards the 2027 general elections, we call on all patriotic Nigerians, particularly our youths, women, professionals, workers and those in diaspora to join the NNPP in the collective mission of building a new Nigeria.”