Court Orders INEC to Recognise NRM Leadership

Abuja, Nigeria  —  A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially acknowledge the leadership of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) following the party’s emergency national convention held in Abuja on January 17.

Delivering judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that INEC must recognise the leadership that emerged from the convention, which was convened to fill vacant positions within the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and address structural imbalances. The process led to the election of Chief Edozie Njoku as the party’s National Chairman.

The court faulted INEC’s refusal to monitor the convention, asserting that the electoral body had been duly notified in accordance with legal requirements. “Evidence before the court confirms that the NRM provided valid notice of its emergency convention, and INEC’s failure to monitor the process was unjustified,” Justice Egwuatu declared.

Emphasizing the legal framework, the judge cited Sections 82(1) and 83(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, stating that INEC’s failure to acknowledge the convention constituted a violation of its statutory responsibilities. He ruled that since the party adhered to the mandatory 21-day notice period, INEC had no grounds to disregard the exercise.

Consequently, the court issued an order of mandamus, compelling INEC to accept the leadership structure that emerged from the convention. The ruling further directed INEC to recognise the decisions made at the gathering, including amendments to the party’s constitution.

Reacting to the verdict, Chief Edozie Njoku, the newly affirmed NRM National Chairman, urged INEC to comply with the court’s directive.  “The judgment confirms the legitimacy of our emergency convention and all its resolutions. We now call on INEC to act in accordance with the law and acknowledge our leadership without delay,”  he stated.

With this ruling, the NRM’s leadership transition gains judicial backing, reinforcing the legal framework guiding internal party administration and electoral oversight.

By Enoch Odesola | March 5, 2025