Edozie Njoku (from the right)
The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has firmly disassociated itself from a contempt notice reportedly filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing the claim as a baseless and misleading stunt.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Peter Letsuwa, the NRM described the alleged suit as a “huge joke”, clarifying that the party has no grievance with INEC and, therefore, no reason to initiate legal action against the electoral body.
Instead, the party expressed confidence in INEC’s leadership and actions, stating:
“We commend the commission for promoting internal party democracy and enforcing compliance with political party constitutions and the Electoral Act.”
While reaffirming its support for INEC, the NRM condemned what it called the disruptive behavior of Mr. Edozie Njoku, the ousted former chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
According to the NRM, Njoku was removed by a Supreme Court judgment in November 2024 over “forum shopping”, a term used to describe the practice of seeking favorable court jurisdictions to override legitimate leadership decisions.
The party said Njoku subsequently attempted to hijack the NRM by calling what he labeled an “emergency convention,” which the party said lacked legitimacy.
“According to the party’s spokesman, [the convention] lacked legitimacy and failed to comply with the party’s constitution, INEC regulations, or the Electoral Act.”
The statement emphasized that the NRM constitution provides clear guidelines on party leadership eligibility, particularly concerning membership duration.
“The National Rescue Movement Constitution is clear: even if Mr. Njoku registered as a member the same day he was removed by the Supreme Court, he is still not eligible for any leadership position, as party membership must span at least one year before assuming any office,” the statement read.
The NRM also dismissed Njoku’s authority to represent the party in any legal matter and warned against acts of political recklessness.
“Rejecting any suggestion that Njoku represents the party in any legal matter, the NRM warned against what it described as ‘lawlessness and impunity,’ asserting that Nigeria must not become a ‘banana republic.’”
The party’s statement went further, urging the Chief Justice of Nigeria to take action against what it sees as abuse of the judicial system by opportunistic political actors.
“We must all work to protect the judiciary from being dragged into political theatrics,” the statement added.
