The National Rescue Movement (NRM), has accused former factional leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Edozie Njoku, of sponsoring attempts to unlawfully seize control of the party.

The party raised the alarm over what it described as an orchestrated attempt by “serial forum shoppers” to blackmail the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

NRM National Chairman, Dr. Chinedu Obi, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, he called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to caution judicial officers nationwide against forum shopping and political manipulation of the courts.

He also urged the media to continue investigative reporting on undemocratic practices, describing a vigilant press as “one of the strongest safeguards of democratic accountability.”

He recalled that despite repeated warnings, Mr. Njoku and the former chairman approached the Federal High Court to compel INEC to recognize their self-styled convention. A March 5, 2025, Federal High Court ruling inadvertently prompted them to attempt a misinterpretation of the judgment to validate a January 17, 2025, convention that never took place.

Obi said: “This briefing is convened to sensitize Nigerians on the ongoing attempt by serial forum shoppers to blackmail the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and unlawfully hijack the leadership of the National Rescue Movement through the courts.

“This attempt is being sponsored by the Supreme Court–sacked factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Edozie Njoku. Nigeria’s democracy faces serious threats from undemocratic forces whose actions undermine the rule of law, internal party democracy, and the stability of our political institutions.

“Their activities pose significant risks to democratic consolidation and the credibility of the nation’s electoral system.
Many of you, as political correspondents, have closely followed developments within our party since the last general elections.“

The NRM praised INEC officials for resisting attempts to be coerced or blackmailed, adding that, “INEC is fully in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, and the Party categorically dissociates itself from allegations of non-compliance circulated by mischief makers.”

Obi also warned that as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, forum shoppers appear to be attempting to exploit the new INEC leadership.