The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with a court judgment resolving the party’s prolonged leadership dispute.

The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) referenced the March 5, 2025 ruling by the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, which directed INEC to officially recognize the national executives led by Chief Edozie Njoku.

The NEC expressed concern that, despite the judgment being uncontested for over a year, the electoral body has yet to implement the court’s orders.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court had summoned INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to appear before the court on March 10 over a contempt petition filed by the NRM for alleged disobedience to the ruling. The court instructed that a hearing notice be served on the INEC Chairman to explain the noncompliance.

In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Anselm Nebeife, said the NEC met in Abuja on March 6 to align with the National Working Committee’s (NWC) position, reaffirming the authority of existing court decisions regarding the party’s leadership.

The statement read:

“After extensive deliberations, the NEC reaffirmed the validity of the January 16, 2025, court order directing INEC to oversee the Emergency National Convention of January 17, 2025, as well as the March 5, 2025, Federal High Court judgment recognizing its outcome. Accordingly, the NEC urges INEC to immediately acknowledge the Chief Edozie Njoku-led leadership of the party.”

The NEC emphasized that adherence to court orders and respect for the rule of law are essential pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

It also highlighted that several positions within the committee had become vacant due to resignations by members frustrated with the delay in recognizing the legitimate leadership. To restore administrative functionality, the NEC approved NWC recommendations to fill these vacancies in accordance with the party’s 2025 constitutional provisions.

The NEC clarified that filling vacant positions does not require a National Convention, which is only necessary when the office of the National Chairman is involved. The NWC can fill the positions, and the NEC can ratify the appointments.