Modibbo Farakwai, president of Team New Nigeria (TNN), a new political party seeking registration, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of delaying the process.
Farakwai spoke in Abuja on Monday while giving an address titled “Beyond registration: Consolidating our numerical strength and strategic partnerships for 2027″.
He said the movement is strengthening its political structures and mobilisation networks ahead of future elections.
“We stand here today at a defining intersection of history and destiny,” Farakwai said.
“The journey to birth a ‘New Nigeria’ is not for the faint-hearted; it is a marathon for the resilient, the visionary, and the brave.”
He said the organisation is strengthening its internal structures to prepare for political engagement across the country.
“Today, we take a decisive step forward by strengthening our structural capacity to navigate the turbulent political waters ahead,” he said.
“It is my distinct honour to formally inaugurate the strategic engines of our movement, the organs that will drive our political engagement, policy formulation, and grassroots mobilisation as we approach the critical months ahead.”
Farakwai announced the inauguration of several committees, including the national political engagement committee (NPEC), nationwide reliability network committee (NRNC), national policy and intellectual engagement committee (NPIEC), and the national conference organising committee.
He also unveiled mobilisation directorates for women, youths, students, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Farakwai said the group has fulfilled the constitutional and statutory requirements required for registration but has yet to receive approval from INEC.
“Fellow compatriots, we must speak the unvarnished truth about our political reality. We have fulfilled every constitutional requirement and met every statutory obligation for registration,” he said.
“Yet, we sit here today facing an inexplicable delay from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Let us be clear: This is not a procedural failure. This is a tactical retreat by a terrified establishment. The ‘old order’ has seen our data. They have seen the faces of 43 million Nigerians rising as one.
“They have looked at our map and realised that there is no corner of this federation where Team New Nigeria does not breathe. They blocked our name because they fear our numbers.”
Farakwai said the movement may contest elections through another political platform if the delay continues.
“They believe that by withholding a certificate, they can stop a revolution. They are mistaken. A political party is not a piece of paper in an Abuja office; a political party is the collective heartbeat of the people,” he said.
“If they think they can trap us in a bureaucratic graveyard, they do not know the spirit of TNN. We will not wait for their permission to lead. If they deny us a name, we will use another.
“We will march under any banner that serves our purpose, but we will march with the same mission, the same muscle, and the same unstoppable force.
“Whether we arrive on the ballot as a registered party or as the soul of a formidable coalition, the result will be the same.
“The 43 million will be heard. Our numbers are the only mandate we need. We are not just moving; we are taking over.”
Farakwai said the movement has already begun talks with existing political parties on possible coalition arrangements.
“In response to this delay, we have refused to be idle spectators. We have strategically activated high-level machineries to form a formidable coalition with existing political parties,” he said.
“Our National Political Engagement Committee is already in advanced talks to ensure that the TNN vehicle has a clear highway to the ballot.”
He said the movement is open to partnerships but will not compromise its principles.
“We are not seeking a merger of convenience, but a coalition of purpose,” he said.
“Let us be crystal clear to the political class: Team New Nigeria is ready to work with any political platform that respects our vision, honours our values, and is willing to rebuild this nation based on equity, justice, and competence. We are open to partnership, but we will never compromise on our principles.”
