NRM faction backs INEC
A faction of the National Rescue Movement has publicly backed the Independent National Electoral Commission and warned against what it described as attempts by political actors to hijack the leadership of the party through the courts.
The faction, led by National Chairman Prince Chinedu Obi, made the declaration during a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where it defended the electoral commission against allegations that it had disobeyed a court order.
Speaking to journalists, Obi said the party decided to address the issue publicly to clarify what he called a coordinated attempt by certain individuals to blackmail the electoral commission and unlawfully seize control of the party.
According to him, the National Rescue Movement leadership believes the electoral body has acted in accordance with the law and should not be dragged into internal party disputes.
The development comes amid a deepening crisis within the party, as rival factions continue to battle for control of its leadership structure.
Internal Leadership Dispute
The conflict within the National Rescue Movement revolves around competing claims to the party’s leadership.
One faction has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of refusing to recognise the outcome of an emergency convention that allegedly produced a new leadership structure.
However, the group led by Obi insists that the convention in question was illegal and did not follow the procedures laid down in the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Addressing reporters, the chairman stated that the faction’s decision to back INEC was based on the commission’s adherence to the rule of law.
He warned that individuals attempting to manipulate court processes in order to gain control of the party were undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The National Rescue Movement leadership therefore cautioned that attempts to hijack the party would not be tolerated, NRM faction backs INEC.
Court Case Escalates Crisis
The dispute recently took a new turn when a Federal High Court in Abuja summoned the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission to appear before it in connection with a contempt proceeding initiated by a rival faction of the party.
The faction behind the lawsuit alleged that the commission had failed to comply with a mandamus order directing it to recognise the outcome of the disputed convention.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter to allow the electoral commission’s chairman to appear before the court.
However, the National Rescue Movement faction backing INEC has dismissed the allegation, insisting that the electoral body has not violated any court order.
According to party officials, the contempt claim is part of a broader strategy by individuals seeking to use the judiciary to gain political advantage.
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Allegations of Forum Shopping
During the briefing, the National Rescue Movement leadership accused some political actors of engaging in what it described as “forum shopping,” a practice in which litigants file similar cases in multiple courts in an attempt to secure favourable judgments.
The party warned that such actions could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Obi called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to caution judicial officers against attempts by litigants to manipulate court processes to influence political outcomes.
According to him, the judiciary must remain vigilant against individuals who claim they can obtain favourable rulings through undue influence, NRM faction backs INEC.
Party Crisis and Political Implications
Political observers say the crisis within the National Rescue Movement reflects a broader pattern of leadership disputes that have affected several Nigerian political parties in recent years.
Internal conflicts, court battles and competing claims to party leadership have frequently disrupted party organisation and weakened political structures.
Analysts note that the outcome of the dispute could determine the future direction of the party as it prepares for upcoming electoral contests.
For now, the faction led by Obi maintains that the Independent National Electoral Commission has acted within the law and should not be pressured to recognise what it describes as an illegitimate leadership structure, NRM faction backs INEC.
Call for Respect for Democratic Processes
The National Rescue Movement leadership concluded the briefing by urging political actors to respect democratic procedures in resolving party disputes.
According to Obi, political parties must resolve internal disagreements through lawful mechanisms rather than attempts to manipulate court processes.
He warned that allowing individuals to hijack the party through legal manoeuvres would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democratic system.
As the legal battle continues, the party says it remains committed to protecting its constitution, defending the electoral process and preventing any attempt to hijack its leadership ,NRM faction backs INEC.
NRM faction backs INEC
