Paragraph 1: The Genesis of the Dispute
The National Rescue Movement (NRM), a Nigerian political party, found itself grappling with internal structural imbalances within its National Executive Committee (NEC). This lopsidedness, perceived as detrimental to the party’s national outreach and representation, prompted the NRM to convene an emergency national convention on January 17th in Abuja. The primary objective of this convention was to fill existing vacancies within the NEC and rectify the skewed composition, aiming to create a more inclusive and nationally representative leadership structure. Edozie Njoku emerged as the party’s national chairman from this convention.
Paragraph 2: INEC’s Non-Recognition and Ensuing Legal Battle
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the body responsible for overseeing electoral processes in Nigeria, declined to recognize the outcome of the NRM’s emergency convention. INEC’s refusal stemmed from its absence at the convention, claiming it hadn’t monitored the proceedings. This stance created a significant impasse between the NRM and INEC, ultimately leading the NRM to seek legal redress. The party filed a lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/45/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging INEC’s decision and seeking an order to compel the electoral body to acknowledge the convention’s results.
Paragraph 3: The Court’s Scrutiny of INEC’s Position
Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, presiding over the case, meticulously examined the arguments presented by both the NRM and INEC. The court’s focus centered on the legality of the convention and the validity of INEC’s reasons for non-recognition. Crucially, evidence presented before the court demonstrated that the NRM had duly notified INEC of the emergency convention well within the stipulated 21-day timeframe prescribed by the Electoral Act. This fact significantly undermined INEC’s justification for not monitoring the event.
Paragraph 4: The Court’s Verdict and Justification
Justice Egwuatu delivered a decisive judgment in favor of the NRM. The court held that INEC’s refusal to monitor the convention, despite receiving proper notification, constituted a dereliction of its statutory duty under Sections 82(1) and 83(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The court emphasized that INEC’s role is not merely passive but requires active participation in monitoring party conventions to ensure adherence to legal procedures and democratic principles. The judge asserted that the NRM’s actions in convening the convention were lawful and within their rights, and INEC’s refusal to acknowledge the outcome was therefore unlawful and unconstitutional.
Paragraph 5: The Court’s Orders and NRM’s Reaction
Consequently, the court issued an order of mandamus, compelling INEC to: (1) Accept and monitor the emergency convention of the NRM for the purpose of filling vacancies and correcting lopsidedness within its NEC; and (2) Recognize the decisions and outcomes of the said convention, effectively validating Edozie Njoku’s leadership as the national chairman. Following the judgment, Njoku expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision and urged INEC to comply with the order, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and the judiciary’s pronouncements.
Paragraph 6: Implications and Future Directions
This court decision has significant implications for the NRM and for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. It reaffirms the importance of internal party democracy and due process in filling leadership positions. The ruling also underscores INEC’s responsibility to actively participate in and monitor party activities, ensuring compliance with electoral laws. Going forward, INEC’s response to the court order will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for future cases involving party conventions and INEC’s oversight role. The NRM, now legally recognized under Njoku’s leadership, can proceed with its political activities and preparations for upcoming elections. This legal victory provides a platform for the party to consolidate its structure and pursue its political agenda.
