The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has issued a stern warning to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, threatening legal action that could lead to imprisonment if he continues to disregard a Federal High Court order recognizing Chief Edozie Njoku as the party's National Chairman.

Chief Edozie Njoku, who was elected as the National Chairman during the party's Emergency Convention in Abuja, expressed frustration over INEC's refusal to acknowledge his leadership position for more than five months despite a clear court ruling.

Court Validates NRM Convention

Speaking to reporters at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Asokoro on Thursday, Njoku revealed that the electoral body's excuse of not monitoring the election had been dismissed by the court. The case filed by some party members challenging his emergence was thrown out by the court.

BenriNews gathered that on January 16, the Federal High Court issued an order of mandamus in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/45/25, directing INEC to monitor the NRM convention scheduled for the following day and accept its outcome.

According to Njoku, the convention was organized to address imbalances and ensure Federal Character compliance in the party's National Executive Committee, in accordance with sections 82(1) and 83(1) of the Electoral Act.

Legal Implications for INEC

Following INEC's refusal to monitor the exercise, the party approached the court again and secured a favorable judgment validating the convention's outcome. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that INEC's failure to monitor the NRM convention constituted a refusal to discharge its constitutional duty, making it unconstitutional and unlawful.

Njoku also cited another judgment by Justice James Omotosho, which held that political parties are only required to give notice of conventions to INEC, and it remains at the electoral body's discretion whether to attend.

The NRM Chairman pointed out that neither INEC nor any dissatisfied party member had appealed the High Court judgment within the 90-day appeal window, leaving the party with no choice but to initiate contempt proceedings against Prof. Yakubu.

Formal Notice Sent to INEC

Through its lawyer, Mr. Oladimeji Ekengba of Joe Agi, SAN, & Associates, the party has formally notified the INEC Chairman of the consequences of his continued disobedience to the court judgment in a letter dated June 4.

Part of the letter read: "We urge you to obey the judgement of court and purge yourself of this contemptuous act. Should you fail, we shall not hesitate to urge the court to commit you to prison, in line with the rule of law. A stitch in time saves nine."

NRM's Future Plans

Despite the ongoing dispute with INEC, Njoku expressed optimism about the party's future, stating that a united NRM would serve as a strong opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

"Our happiness is that the crisis in NRM is over. We are going to build a formidable political party," Njoku stated. "Even though we are not considering the idea of a coalition yet, however, we are going to have a small meeting next week. After then, we will decide."

He further revealed that the party has already secured 18 new offices and intends to strengthen its structure before considering any coalition arrangements with other political entities.