BREAKING NEWS: NPF President offers to step down to pave way for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio

KOHIMA — Amid speculations of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) merging with the Naga People's Front (NPF), Apong Pongener, President of NPF, on Saturday offered to step down from the post of presidency in the event the incumbent Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio willing to rejoin the NPF.

He said this while addressing the NPF Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting held at the NPF Central Office, Kohima.

"In the event of Dr. Neiphiu Rio's willingness to rejoin the Naga People's Front, I, Apong Pongener, President of the NPF, hereby offer to resign from the presidency to pave the way for Dr. Neiphiu Rio to lead the party and steer it forward," he said.

Related: Nagaland: NDPP denies ‘clearing decks’ for NPF merger, awaits party decision

"I keep that commitment in front of all of you today," he added.

The NPF party chief also called upon all CEC members to continue to work collectively towards strengthening the party and secure the aspirations of the people.

The party meeting is still underway at the time of filing this story, and the party resolution is awaited.

This is a developing story. More details will be updated.