Anambra Guber Poll: NRM accuses INEC of imposing candidate, threatens legal action

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has raised alarm over what it described as the illegal imposition of a candidate on the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the party’s immediate past National Chairman and current National Organising Secretary, Mr Isaac-Chigozie Udeh, alleged that INEC refused to recognise the National Electoral Committee constituted by the NRM during its emergency convention on January 17, 2025, but surprisingly went ahead to publish the name of a candidate for the election without the approval of the party’s leadership.

Mr Udeh questioned how the commission released the party’s code used for uploading candidate names and demanded an explanation, warning that legal action would be taken if the matter was not addressed promptly.

He accused some identified INEC officials of attempting to undermine the NRM’s leadership and electoral processes, noting that the decision to publish a candidate’s name without authorisation was a breach of due process.

“It is abundantly clear that the purported name inserted against NRM in the Anambra Governorship Election doesn’t have the approval of the legally recognised NRM National Chairman, Chief Edozie Njoku, nor does it have my endorsement, the man whose names still adorn the commission’s website.

This is the requirement of the law,” he stated.

Mr Udeh further alleged that Mrs Arabs Joan and Mrs Nkechi Abu of INEC’s EPM Department have previously taken unilateral decisions affecting the party’s affairs without just cause.

He condemned what he termed a violation of the commission’s 2022 ‘Guidelines for Nomination of Candidates for Elections’ and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and hold public office holders accountable as part of their civic duties.