The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has dissociated itself from a purported contempt notice filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a “huge joke.”
It also said the party has no reason to take legal action against the electoral body, in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Peter Letsuwa.
The party, instead, reiterated support for INEC, commending the commission for promoting internal party democracy and enforcing compliance with political party constitutions and the Electoral Act.
It however condemned what it described as the ongoing disruptive activities of Mr. Edozie Njoku, who was ousted by the Supreme Court in November 2024 for “forum shopping” in an attempt to seize the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
According to the NRM, Mr. Njoku later attempted to declare himself as the leader of the NRM after he called an emergency convention which, according to the party’s spokesman, lacked legitimacy and failed to comply with the party’s constitution, INEC regulations, or the Electoral Act.
“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.
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 also issued a stern appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, urging him to rein in judicial officers allegedly being used by “desperate political jobbers” to undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the country’s democratic processes.
“We must all work to protect the judiciary from being dragged into political theatrics,” the statement added.
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