By BARBARA KALU, Awka–
The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has expressed outrage over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) alleged imposition of a candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra.
According to the party, INEC’s actions are in direct contravention of a court order and the party’s constitution.
The immediate-past National Chairman of the party, Mr. Isaac-Chigozie Udeh, now the National Organising Secretary, stated that INEC’s decision to publish the name of a candidate without the approval of the party’s recognised leadership is unacceptable.
“It is abundantly clear that the purported name inserted against NRM, in the Anambra governorship election does not have the approval of the legally recognised NRM National Chairman, Chief Edozie Njoku,” Udeh said.
Udeh cited a March 5 judgment by Hon.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered INEC to recognise the outcome of the party’s January 17 emergency national convention.
However, INEC allegedly defied the court order and instead recognised an illegal NEC meeting and convention.
The NRM has contacted its lawyers to address the alleged imposition of a candidate and forgery. Udeh accused INEC officials of violating the Electoral Act 2022 and engaging in forgery.
“Our lawyers have been contacted to act accordingly in addressing this very disturbing scenario,” he said.
