In a major political development, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, senior politician and five-time chief minister (2003-NPF; 2008-NPF; 2013-NPF; 2018-NDPP and 2023-NDPP) returned to the Naga People’s Front (NPF) fold since the 2017 split, and unanimously elected as Leader of the NPF Legislature Party.
The election by NPF legislature party came shortly after NDPP formally merged with the NPF during its 6th General Convention on Saturday, with the NPF giving the nod at an emergency meeting held the same day in Kohima.
Dr. Rio along with party leaders and legislators met the NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer and submitted the documents. In a post on X, Rio said, “I’m humbled to be elected Leader of the NPF Legislature Party. Along with NPFLP, we met Hon’ble Speaker Sharingain Longkumer and submitted our documents.”
He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and party organisations for reposing their faith in his leadership and to the Almighty for His guidance and blessings.
Earlier at the 6th general convention of the NDPP, Dr. Neiphiu Rio confirmed the merger with NPF and described it as “a historic and unifying step for the Naga people”. Dr. Rio underscored the significance of the move, calling it a step towards creating a single, strong regional entity essential for effectively representing the people and addressing the protracted Naga political issue.
Rio particularly commended NDPP working president Chingwang Konyak as a matured, seasoned and highly experienced leader, whose sacrifice and leadership had been instrumental in shaping and lifting the party. He also acknowledged secretary general Abu Metha and all NDPP legislators and workers for their tireless efforts and steadfast loyalty, describing them as “the true driving force behind the party’s growth.”
He recalled that the NPF was the first regional party in the Northeast to form an alliance with the BJP, calling it a necessity. He also recalled his political journey that eventually led to the formation of the NDPP in 2017. Dr. Rio also mentioned about the recent closure of the legal case concerning the deregistration of NDPP. He said the Supreme Court dismissed the case as the appellant had passed away. Thus, he said the NDPP has no liabilities and that no one can allege wrongdoing even as it merges with or takes over the NPF.
The chief minister reiterated that the NPF had passed a resolution appealing to him, the party, and the people in government—including all past members—to take over the NPF and rebuild the historic party, which is 62 years old, the first regional party in the Northeast and the second oldest in the country.
He termed the merger decision as “historic and emotional,” where a new chapter was being written in the political history of Nagaland- a chapter that embodies reconciliation, unity, and collective strength.
He assured that together they would work for a stronger, more prosperous future for the state and its people.
Dr. Rio fervently appealed to all party members to continue working with renewed dedication as members of a united family.
He said that the NDPP is stepping into the historic political party, the NPF, which he personally described as the “parent party—the platform where he began his political career in 1974 and through which he has now completed 51 years in politics.
He credited his longevity and success to the support of the Almighty, his friends, colleagues, and the party workers who have placed their trust in him.
The chief minister provided a brief history of the NPF, originally founded as the Democratic Party by A. Kevichüsa on October 21, 1963, and highlighted its evolution through various political phases. He noted that the NPF was the first regional party in the Northeast to form an alliance with the BJP, an alliance he deemed a continued “necessity” for the state.
Dr. Rio strongly asserted that his political actions are not driven by self-interest or the pursuit of his personal legacy, but by a commitment to the greater good of the Naga people.
He said all were working together for the legacy of the Naga and emphasized that the primary motivation behind the merger was to consolidate forces around the core aims and ideology to focus on protecting Naga history, culture, traditions, and customary laws. He said this united regional front will command greater respect and recognition from the Government of India.
Dr. Rio acknowledged the unwavering support of his party workers, whose trust and support have been the “driving force” behind the party’s electoral successes, both big and small. However, he also addressed the single recent setback: the loss of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election.
Rio attributed the loss to “certain circumstances and beyond our control,” but used the opportunity to reinforce the need for a united regional voice in the national parliament.
He concluded with a powerful appeal for unity, asserting that the convention sends a message that the “cause of our people and the quest for Naga unity must rise above everything else.”
The merger, he said, “opens a new chapter in the Naga political history of Nagaland—a chapter that embodies reconciliation, unity, and collective strength, and a move towards a stronger and more prosperous picture.”
In his presidential address, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak traced the party’s journey since its formation in 2017 and acknowledged the importance of unity and discipline. He admitted that while he was personally not in favour of merging NDPP with another party, he would uphold the majority decision. “Let us rise above personal feelings and ambitions and remain dedicated to our collective goal—the progress and peace of Nagaland,” Konyak said.
The general conference began with an invocation by Rev. Medonei-u Üsou, pastor of Midland Baptist Church, Kohima. Minister Metsubo Jamir delivered the welcome address, while NDPP working president N. Bendang Jamir proposed the vote of thanks.
Short speeches were delivered by NDPP women organisation president Vikali Zhimomi, youth president Imchatoba Imchen, agri & allied organisation president Y. Vikheho Swu, Mon region president H. Shamlau Konyak, Mokokchung region president Repameren, Zunheboto region president Khehoshe H. Yeptho, and Dimapur region president Vihoshe Awomi.
Musical performances by artists Azi Rudy, Vetho Rhakho, Kekhrieyie, and Mhaphruonuo added colour to the event.
NPF endorses NDPP merger resolution
DIMAPUR, OCT 18 (NPN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on October 18 took a decisive step, with its Central Executive Council (CEC) unanimously endorsing the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with the NPF. The crucial resolution was adopted during an emergency CEC meeting held at the party’s central office in Kohima.
The CEC met shortly after the NDPP’s 6th General Convention earlier in the day, which had approved the proposal for merger with the NPF, effectively reuniting the two major regional forces.
The meeting was attended by top party functionaries, including NPF president Apong Pongener, legislature party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, secretary general Achumbemo Kikon, MLA and senior leaders from both Nagaland and Manipur, including minister Awangbow Newmai from Manipur and other NPF MLAs.
Addressing the business session, Kikon clarified that the merger and adoption of resolutions were being undertaken in accordance with the NPF constitution and parliamentary norms. He stated that once the NPF formally joined the government, it became an integral part of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
“If we don’t join the government officially, we remain only as outside supporters. The NPF president has therefore issued an office memorandum joining the government to ensure a smooth transition of power,” Kikon said.
He informed that the earlier Central Office Bearers (COB) meeting had already adopted a resolution accepting the merger proposal of the NDPP with the NPF, but as per the party constitution, the CEC was required to ratify it. “The powers of the COB are limited to emergency decisions, and therefore this resolution must be approved by the CEC for it to take full effect,” he stated.
Kikon read out the resolutions adopted by the NDPP at its general convention held earlier in the morning, underlining the shared intent of both parties to consolidate into a single, unified regional political entity.
Outlining the next steps, he said that a follow-up CEC meeting would be convened on October 20 to formally ratify the resolution and complete procedural obligations before the party convention. “Unless this resolution is passed now and submitted to the Speaker for communication to the government, the process would be delayed until the next meeting. Hence, this emergency session was convened,” he said.
Kikon said the merger aimed to consolidate regional forces under one political platform in the greater interest of the Naga cause. “The formation of a unified regional party will bring stability and collective strength to pursue the aspirations of the Naga people,” he added.
He also stated that both political and legislative procedures were being synchronized to ensure a seamless transition, with necessary communications to be made to the Speaker and the Chief Minister’s Office.
The NPF Resolution Committee, headed by vice president Yangerlemba and comprising general secretaries Diethoselhou Sachü, Tseibu Khusoh, Manpha Konyak, and H. Zungkum Chang, was constituted to draft and finalize the resolutions for adoption.
Resolutions adopted: 1. The CEC, after thorough deliberation on the resolution adopted by the NDPP at its general convention on October 18, 2025, resolved to endorse the decision of the NDPP to merge with the NPF.
- The CEC further ratified the COB Resolution No. 1 dated October 18, 2025, in conformity with Clause 3(b)(viii) of Article IV read with Clause 2(j) of Article IV of the NPF constitution.
- The CEC placed on record its appreciation to the erstwhile NDPP leadership for taking a bold and right decision to strengthen the regional party.
- The CEC appreciated the sagacity of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for his guidance in arriving at a consensus decision for the NDPP to merge with the NPF.
- The CEC reiterated its earlier decision for an early, acceptable, honourable, and inclusive solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.
Earlier in the day, the NPF Central Office Bearers (COB) held an emergency meeting at the party’s headquarters in Kohima, formally approving the merger of the NDPP with the NPF and endorsing participation in the PDA government.
In the meeting, Achumbemo Kikon explained that the party’s decision to join the government was to ensure a smooth transition of power following the merger. He informed that the NPF president, exercising powers under the party constitution, had issued an ordinance on October 14, making the NPF part of the PDA government led by Rio.
The COB unanimously adopted the following resolutions: Endorsed the NDPP merger with the NPF effective October 18, 2025, in conformity with Clause 2(j) of Article IV of the NPF constitution.
- Appreciated NDPP president Chingwang Konyak and colleagues for their decision to merge, thereby strengthening the regional party across the North East.
- Recognized NPF president Apong Pongener for facilitating a smooth transition within the party.
- Welcomed chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s return to his original party and assured full cooperation to advance the party’s agenda.
The resolutions were recommended by a committee led by vice president Lanukaba and supported by members Tsumongo Ovung, Kruzakie Kelio, Khongjah Konyak, Toniho Sheqi, C. Khai Nyekha, and Khrielezo Bio.
Kikon also highlighted the resolutions passed by the NDPP during their convention earlier in the day. The NPF CEC will reconvene on October 20 to ratify the COB resolutions before submitting the merger documents to the Speaker for official recognition of the NPF as part of the PDA government.