Since NP is based off of an individuals own specific FTP, AP is a much more reliable way to compare two peoples power.
Example:
If my FTP was 360, and I averaged 360 for 5 minutes, my normalized 5 minute power would be 360. I would probably be WAY faster than you during those 5 minutes, even though your normalized power was 360, because your average power was only 289.
Normalized power is a great way to compare your own efforts from day to day, but are almost pointless to use when comparing up to other people.