TNN writes INEC, seeks registration as party, unveils national conference plan

A group called Team New Nigeria (TNN) has officially declared its intention to register as a political party, offering itself as an alternative to the existing political order.

The announcement was made by the president of TNN, Modibbo Yakubun Farakwai, in Abuja, where he outlined the movement’s vision for a transformed and progressive Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists and stakeholders on Sunday, Farakwai lamented the state of the nation, describing it as a period of economic decline, mass suffering, and worsening democratic values.

He likened Nigeria’s present condition to the imagery in Percy Bysshe Shelley’s 1817 poem Ozymandias, which tells the story of a ruler consumed by arrogance but ultimately presiding over ruins. He argued that Nigeria today reflects a similar fate, where government policies have only deepened the hardship of its people rather than alleviating it.

TNN, according to Farakwai, has grown into a national movement with structures in all 774 local government areas, 37 states including the FCT, and across the six geopolitical zones.

With a reported membership of over 43 million Nigerians, the group has embarked on an aggressive expansion plan, recently approving additional membership materials for Rivers, Bauchi, Benue, Lagos, and Kano states.

Describing the present economic crisis as the worst in Nigeria’s history, he condemned the rising cost of living, hyperinflation, and increasing taxation, which he said had further strangled ordinary citizens.

Farakwai accused the APC-led federal government of prioritizing self-serving projects over the welfare of Nigerians, plunging the country into deeper debt while failing to offer genuine solutions.

The youth, he noted, have been among the worst affected by these failures, as many have lost hope in their future within the country.

With unemployment at an all-time high, he warned that Nigeria risked an entire generation of educated but jobless citizens, forced to either leave the country in search of better opportunities or remain trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Beyond economic hardships, he also condemned what he described as a blatant erosion of democracy and civil liberties.

 Under the current administration, he argued, critical voices have been silenced, institutions politicised, and governance transformed into a dictatorship disguised as democracy. This, he said, had only widened the gap between the people and their leaders, fueling distrust and a sense of abandonment.

Farakwai stated that Team New Nigeria was born out of this frustration, as an answer to Nigerians who have been yearning for a true alternative.

TNN, he said, does not only seek to take over power but to introduce a new culture of governance built on democracy, justice, and inclusive leadership.

As part of its journey towards becoming a full-fledged political party, the group has already developed a constitution, manifesto, and party symbols, all of which were unveiled in Kano on March 1, 2025.

With its motto “Unite and Rebuild the Nation” and its slogan “Greater Nigeria,” the movement has taken steps to institutionalise its presence, setting up committees to handle various aspects of its transition into a party.

The committees, headed by experts and experienced professionals, have been tasked with legal compliance, political strategy, mobilization, and financial planning, among other critical areas.

Farakwai confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged TNN’s application to be registered as a party, a move he described as a major milestone in Nigeria’s political evolution.

He called on Nigerians to take advantage of the newly resumed voter registration exercise by INEC, emphasizing that their participation would determine the country’s future.

As part of its next steps, TNN has scheduled a National Conference on April 5, 2025, in Abuja, where it will officially present its manifesto and constitution to the public. The event is expected to bring together leaders from across Nigeria, including TNN’s local government and state chairmen, as well as national executive members.

Also, Farakwai issued a rallying call to Nigerians, urging them to reject the old order of corruption and incompetence and embrace a new vision for governance. He assured the people that Team New Nigeria would not be just another political party but a movement dedicated to restoring hope, justice, and prosperity to the nation.

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