Abuja – The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Edozie Njoku as the Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Delivering judgment on Wednesday in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/45/2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu upheld the validity of an emergency national convention held by the NRM in Abuja on January 17, 2025, which elected Njoku as chairman.
The party had approached the court after INEC refused to acknowledge the outcome of the convention, citing its absence from the exercise. The NRM argued that the convention was necessary to fill vacant positions in its National Executive Committee (NEC) and address leadership imbalances.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu faulted INEC’s refusal to recognize the new leadership, affirming that the commission was duly notified and had no legal justification for failing to monitor the convention. The judge emphasized that the Electoral Act, 2022, mandates INEC to observe such processes, provided due notice is given.
“The failure of INEC to accept and monitor the emergency convention constitutes a refusal to discharge its constitutional and public duty,” the court declared.
Consequently, the judge issued an order of mandamus, compelling INEC to accept the outcome of the convention and recognize Chief Njoku as NRM’s duly elected chairman.
Reacting to the verdict, Chief Njoku commended the judiciary, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy. He urged INEC to comply with the decision and expressed his commitment to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
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