Opposition leadership tussle heads to Supreme Court

The battle for the Opposition leadership will escalate to the Supreme Court after the National Court dismissed proceedings challenging the recognition of Douglas Tomuriesa as the Opposition Leader.

Chuave MP James Nomane, dissatisfied with the ruling, announced he will appeal to the Supreme Court, claiming the decision was flawed in law.

The National Court declared in its ruling this week that the National Court did not have jurisdiction to deal with the Constitutional matters.

Nomane who is still adamant of taking over the opposition leadership still maintains he has the majority support in the Opposition since June.

“The salient fact remains that since June 2025, I had majority support in a parliamentary democracy to become Leader of the Opposition and was not recognized by the Parliamentary Speaker due to political interference, collusion, and compromise,” Nomane said in a statement.

He called on Tomuriesa to humbly accept the majority decision and convene a caucus meeting, saying further disputes only undermine the Opposition’s role in holding government accountable.

The Chuave MP did not shy away from claiming the current opposition leadership has failed to challenge controversial government laws, investigate alleged corruption, or present viable alternative policies ahead of PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary.

He further accused Tomuriesa of compromising with Prime Minister James Marape, pointing to the recent ICAC controversy as an example.

“Our people are despondent and overwhelmed on the eve of our 50th Independence anniversary. Corruption is rife, and the country is in a downward spiral,” Nomane said.

NBC news is yet to verify at the time of this report, whether Nomane’s lawyer has already filed a Supreme Court appeal challenging the decision.