NRM Demands CJN Action Against Judicial Abuse

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has issued a strong call to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging immediate intervention to address the growing trend of judicial manipulation by individuals bent on undermining the country’s democratic foundations.

The call was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, aligning with the national observance of Democracy Day. The event was led by Prince Chinedu Obi, the National Chairman of the NRM, who spoke on behalf of the party’s National Management Committee (NMC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and the wider membership base.

In his address, Obi decried ongoing efforts by certain actors to destabilize the party’s internal structure through the misuse of the judicial system. He specifically condemned the issuance of what he described as frivolous and strategically orchestrated court orders aimed at hijacking the party’s leadership.

“Some individuals have engaged in forum shopping and legal manipulation, securing a mandamus order from the Federal High Court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize an unauthorized NRM convention,” Obi revealed.

He warned that these actions not only jeopardize the unity and democratic integrity of the party but also pose a serious threat to the rule of law in Nigeria at large. “Democracy remains the best form of governance,” he stressed, “but it is currently under siege by forces who have no regard for democratic norms.”

Obi commended INEC for acting with integrity and standing firm in defense of constitutional principles. He praised the electoral body for refusing to acknowledge the illegitimate convention and instead choosing to monitor and validate the emergency National Convention of the NRM, held on April 14, 2025.

“INEC’s principled stance is a commendable gesture that reinforces internal democracy and shows commitment to due process,” he noted.

Turning to the judiciary, Obi made a passionate appeal to the CJN to ensure that Nigerian judges remain impartial and do not fall prey to those who seek to exploit legal loopholes for selfish political gain.

“We cannot continue to depend solely on the Supreme Court to rectify miscarriages of justice that arise from compromised trial court rulings,” he asserted.

The NRM also used the occasion to call on the media to take a more proactive stance in protecting democratic values. Obi urged journalists to engage in thorough investigative reporting that would help uncover and discourage the activities of those working against the nation’s democratic interests.

“The media must rise to its watchdog role and expose the enemies of democracy. Investigative journalism is key in this fight,” he said.

The NRM chairman announced that the party would formally submit a petition to the Chief Justice, seeking to halt what it views as a growing abuse of judicial processes. “We will not tolerate any further acts of impersonation or misrepresentation of judicial verdicts. The integrity of our democracy and judicial system must be preserved,” Obi declared with resolve.