Prince Chinedu Obi has emerged as the acting national chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), following the suspension of the former chairman, Isaac Udo, over alleged party’s constitutional infractions.
The announcement was made by Prince Obidike Okolo, the acting National Secretary of NRM, during the party’s first-quarter National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
Okolo explained that the emergency meeting, originally scheduled for February 28, was rescheduled to address pressing issues affecting the party. He emphasized that the meeting was necessary to resolve internal conflicts and enforce party discipline.
“You would recall that on January 17, there was an unauthorized gathering claiming to be an emergency convention. This supposed convention was illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct violation of our party’s constitution,” Okolo said.
He accused the former chairman, Isaac Udo, of orchestrating the unauthorized convention without the approval of the party or its members. According to Okolo, Udo unilaterally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the convention, prompting INEC to declare it illegal and requested adherence to the party’s constitution.
“Sadly, Mr. Isaac Udo has been involved in repeated infractions against our constitution and has ignored several invitations to address these issues,” Okolo added.
Okolo disclosed that the National Management Committee (NMC) had previously passed a vote of no confidence in Udo, citing his alleged impunity and disregard for party processes.
“While Mr. Udo has been suspended pending an investigation, a committee has been set up to review the allegations against him and make recommendations to the NEC. If found innocent, he will be reinstated as National Chairman,” Okolo said.
The meeting also addressed vacancies within the party’s national executive positions due to the loss of key officers over the past few years, including the National Publicity Secretary, National Organizing Secretary, and National Auditor. These vacancies were filled during the NEC meeting to ensure the smooth running of the party.
Okolo reiterated the party’s commitment to fairness and due process, stating that the investigation into Udo’s actions would uphold the principles of justice.
“We have processes in the party that must be followed, and our constitution does not allow anyone to assume a national office within a year of joining the party unless granted a waiver,” Okolo concluded.
The NEC meeting reaffirmed the party’s dedication to moving forward and addressing internal challenges, with Prince Chinedu Obi tasked with leading the NRM in the interim.
Full list of the new executive members of the party that emerged at the NEC meeting include; Prince Chinedu Obi, Acting National Chairman; Barr. Seprebofa M. Oyeghe, Acting Deputy National Legal Adviser; Dr Mustapha Umar Kumshe, Acting National Vice Chairman; Magdalena Samuel Gali, Acting National Organizing Secretary; Hon. Musa Salisu Kafisoli, Acting National Auditor; Hassan Aminu Ibrahim, Acting National Secretary; Chief Sir Victor Iwualla, Acting National Welfare Secretary; Omotaiwo Peter Letsuwa, Acting National Publicity Secretary.
