Two NPP councillors join NPF, boosting its strength in Dimapur Municipal Council and signalling a local political realignment.
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DIMAPUR — The balance of power in Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) tilted decisively on Saturday as two councillors of the National People's Party (NPP) crossed over to the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF), boosting the NPF’s strength to 17 of the 23 wards.
A press release issued by NPF informed that Jonathan Yepthomi (Ward 23) and Nikali Sumi Chishi (Ward 7), along with their supporters, formally joined the party at a function, “giving a major boost to the party's strength in the local government.”
Welcoming the new entrants at the NPF central office, MLA and party secretary general Achumbemo Kikon said that the shift reflected a growing public preference for a strong regional party to safeguard Naga interests and identity.
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He said that the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also heads the party, had inspired many to align with the NPF’s vision.
Kikon described the NPF as a disciplined organisation rooted at the grassroots and urged the councillors to honour the people’s mandate by delivering on development and governance.
DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi, who was present, thanked the party leadership for the warm welcome and said that the new councillors would faithfully uphold the party’s principles and work for the city’s progress.