NRM Urges Members To Stay Resolute After Controversial Court Ruling

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has called on its members to stay firm and undeterred following a recent ruling by the Federal High Court.

On March 5, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuato ruled in favor of a suit filed by individuals associated with the party, which the NRM leadership claims was an attempt to fraudulently hijack the party’s leadership.

The suit, filed in January 2025 by Mr. Isaac Udeh and Edozie Njoku, sought to challenge the party’s governance structure and the conduct of its emergency convention on January 17, 2025. However, the NRM leadership, headed by its National Executive Committee (NEC), distanced itself from the legal action, stating that the suit was filed without their authorization and violated the party’s constitutional guidelines.

In a press statement, the NRM accused Mr. Udeh and Mr. Njoku of attempting to use the court to legitimize an illegal convention, calling it a backdoor move to seize control of the party.

The party emphasized that only the NEC, not an individual, has the authority to convene a national convention as outlined in the NRM’s constitution. Furthermore, the NRM pointed out that the alleged convention did not meet the necessary constitutional requirements, as no valid resolutions or approvals from the party’s NEC were attached to the suit.

This judgment follows a series of legal battles and procedural disputes that the NRM had previously raised. In response, the NRM filed multiple motions to change its legal representation and to strike out the case, but these motions were initially ignored by the court. The party also voiced concerns about the actions of the judiciary and the potential influence of political operatives in the legal process.

“The judgment by Justice Egwuato sets a dangerous precedent where a faction within a party could manipulate the legal system to unlawfully alter its leadership,” said Peter Letsuwa, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the NRM. “We are confident that this ruling is flawed and will not withstand legal scrutiny in higher courts. We urge all our members to remain steadfast and to trust in the integrity of our party constitution.”

The NRM also expressed its support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had refused to acknowledge the results of the emergency convention, insisting that the party’s constitution should be followed. The party condemned attempts by Mr. Njoku and his allies to bypass the constitutional structure and warned against undermining INEC’s authority.

The NRM reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and its constitutional framework, and vowed to take further legal action to challenge the judgment. The party also pledged that its next convention, scheduled for 2026, will adhere to all necessary procedures and guidelines.

Despite the ruling, the NRM remains optimistic that the judgment will not stand and encouraged all its members to stay resolute in the face of what it described as a “futile” attempt to destabilize the party.