Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the party’s National Chairman, Prince Chinedu Obi, said NRM is focused on building a strong platform that will produce a credible presidential candidate capable of challenging the incumbent government in 2027.

Responding to questions from journalists, Obi reiterated that the party would contest the elections independently, stressing: “We are not planning to merge with any political party or join any coalition. We will produce our own presidential candidate.”

He also claimed that the Federal High Court had resolved the party’s internal dispute following the dismissal of an appeal filed by a faction led by Chief Edozie Njoku.

According to him, NRM now stands as one of the strongest political parties in the country, insisting that reports of internal crisis were false and influenced by non-members.

Obi added that the party is open to supporting credible aspirants for various elective positions in the 2027 elections.

He further maintained that the NRM is determined to present itself as a “rescue platform” for Nigeria’s current challenges, urging Nigerians to take the party seriously ahead of the polls.

He made the remarks during his acceptance speech after emerging as President of the Congress for a four-year term at an elective congress held in Abuja.

Speaking to delegates and stakeholders, Obande said Middle-Belt youths are prepared to take a more active role in Nigeria’s political process.

He declared that the region’s young people would no longer remain passive, stressing that they intend to organise, mobilise, and ensure their voices are properly represented.

Obande also emphasised unity as a key focus of his leadership, pledging to place the collective interest of the Middle-Belt above personal ambition.

He said his mandate was about service and bringing people together to pursue shared goals that reflect the aspirations of the region.

Highlighting key challenges facing the Middle-Belt, including political exclusion, insecurity, and underdevelopment, he called for more strategic and purposeful leadership.

He noted the need to move from discussions to practical action, adding that youths deserve greater inclusion, opportunities, and security.

Obande further said his leadership would push for stronger youth representation in governance and more active engagement in decision-making processes.

He added that the Congress would work to build partnerships and demand accountability across all levels of leadership.

Obande, a former student union leader and immediate past president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Youth Wing, is known for his advocacy on issues affecting the Middle-Belt region.

He issued the warning while responding to a matter of urgent public importance raised by the lawmaker representing Sagamu II State Constituency, Ademola Adeniran, during a plenary session. Adeniran had drawn attention to ongoing cases of residents dumping building materials along roadsides for extended periods, creating hazards and inconveniencing road users.

According to him, the practice has continued to degrade road infrastructure, complicate maintenance efforts, and disrupt traffic movement in affected communities.

In a related development, the House of Assembly also adopted a report from its Committee on Lands and Housing on the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development’s revised regulations aimed at strengthening planning and development control across the state.

The approved regulations include the Ogun State Building Production Management Regulation 2025, Planning and Development Permit Regulation 2025, Slum Regeneration Regulation 2025, Outdoor Physical Furniture Regulation 2025, and Layout and Land Subdivision Regulation 2025.

The resolution followed the presentation of the committee report by Chairman Damilola Soneye, seconded by Lukman Adeleye, and unanimously adopted by lawmakers through a voice vote after a motion moved by the House Leader, Yusuf Sheriff.

Following the adoption, the Speaker directed that the resolution be forwarded to all relevant authorities for implementation.