According to the NRM, Udeh has allegedly been plotting to convene an unauthorised emergency convention aimed at installing Chief Edozie Njoku and others as the party's new leadership.
The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has filed a petition with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police, accusing a hitherto member, Isaac Chigozie Udeh, of actions allegedly intended to destabilise the organisation and cause a breach of public peace.
In the petition, submitted by NRM’s legal representatives, S. M. Oyeghe, the party alleged that Udeh, who was suspended on September 19, 2024, has been presenting himself as the NRM’s National Chairman despite no longer being a member of the party.
The National Management Committee (NMC) and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NRM reportedly passed a vote of no confidence on Udeh on September 24, 2024.
According to the NRM, Udeh has allegedly been plotting to convene an unauthorised emergency convention aimed at installing Chief Edozie Njoku and others as the party's new leadership.
The NRM claims the move is an attempt to unlawfully hijack the party's structure.
Chief Edozie Njoku, who was recently removed by the Supreme Court as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is alleged to have declared his intention to dominate NRM leadership.
The party accuses Njoku of exploiting his resources and influence to intimidate its members and further his ambitions.
The NRM clarified that its official conventions are held every four years, with the next one scheduled for 2026.
It emphased that no decision has been made to hold an emergency convention, rendering Udeh’s alleged plans illegal.
The petition urged security agencies to take immediate action to prevent potential security threats, breaches of public peace, and the risk of loss of lives and property.
The NRM stated: "Our clients are deeply concerned about the unlawful plans by Mr Udeh and Chief Njoku, which, if left unchecked, could result in a total breakdown of law and order within and beyond the party.”
The party also called on the public to disregard any announcements or invitations to unauthorised conventions, maintaining its commitment to upholding its constitutional processes and the rule of law.
"We are informed by the NMC of NRM, and we verily believe them to be true and correct, that:
"The party held its 4th quarter National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 23, 2023 at Edidas Hotel, Abuja. The party issued the 21 days' legal notice of the meeting to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC or the Commission) and it was duly monitored by a team of 3 INEC staff, led by Mr. Mas'ud Hassan. Find Attached Certified True Copy of the INEC report.
"It is in the light of the foregoing that our client prays that in line with the powin under enabling laws that a discrete investigation be caused and most bring the perpetrators to book and thwart all plans to breach of peace.
"In anticipation of your kind and positive response to this petition, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards," NRM added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a letter with reference number TNEC/DEPM/NRM/28/1/2, addressed to the National Rescue Movement (NRM), responded to the party's notice.
In a statement dated January 9, 2025, and signed by the Acting Secretary to the Commission, Mallam Haliru Aminu, INEC acknowledged the 21-day notice for the party's emergency convention scheduled for January.
"The commissione regrets to inform you that the Notice for the emergency meting scheduled to hold on 13th January, 2025 is not proper notice. You may refer to your earlier notice refer dared 19th November for guidance.
"Please accept the assurances of the Commission highest regard," Aminu added.