2027: NRM Rejects Partnership, Vows to Go It Alone in Presidential Election

The National Rescue Movement has made it clear that it will not be joining forces with any other political party or coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, instead choosing to field its own candidates, including a presidential contender, and compete independently.

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This decision effectively removes the party from ongoing coalition talks and further underscores the fractured nature of the opposition landscape leading up to 2027, where efforts to form a unified front continue to encounter obstacles.

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During a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the party's National Chairman, Prince Chinedu Obi, outlined the party's stance, joined by National Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Aminu Ibrahim, and National Legal Adviser, Barrister Musa Isiaka.

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Prince Chinedu Obi stated, "We're not planning on merging with any political party or joining a coalition, we'll produce our presidential candidate through the ballot," emphasizing the party's commitment to going it alone.

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The party also sought to dispel rumors of internal divisions, with Obi asserting, "The impression that the NRM is in crisis is false, there is no single crisis in the party," and pointing to recent court rulings as evidence of the party's stability.

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A Federal High Court ruling, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which struck out an appeal filed by former All Progressives Grand Alliance chairman, Edozie Njoku, was cited by Obi as a key factor in resolving disputes and solidifying the party's leadership structure.

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According to Obi, the judgment has had a steadying effect on the party, alleviating concerns about factional infighting, and he noted that a visit to the INEC website would confirm the party's leadership and state chairmen, with no mention of Njoku.

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Obi accused Njoku, who he claimed was never a member of the NRM, of attempting to seize control of the party through "forum shopping," and welcomed the court's decision to dismiss a contempt charge against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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The party is now focusing on selecting candidates, with competence being the primary consideration for all elective positions, as it prepares for the 2027 elections with renewed confidence.

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Obi reaffirmed the party's commitment to its goals, saying, "We want Nigerians to know that the impression they have that the NRM has a crisis because of some individuals who are not even members of the party, that there's no single crisis in NRM," and expressed optimism about the party's prospects.

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The party urged its members nationwide to remain committed, expressing confidence that it is entering the 2027 race on a more stable footing than several of its rivals, which are still grappling with internal divisions.