Court Delays Columbus NAACP Presidential Election Amid Ongoing Dispute

Nana Watson, the suspended former president of the Columbus NAACP, successfully obtained a temporary restraining order to halt the upcoming branch election, which was scheduled for April 2. A Franklin County judge granted the order, allowing Watson time to appeal her removal from the position and contest allegations of mishandling membership dues. The national NAACP suspended Watson in January, claiming procedural mismanagement and other issues, while she argues that the allegations are baseless and that her removal was conducted without due process. The court's order prevents the election of local civil rights attorney Sean Walton, who was the only candidate on the ballot. A hearing has been set for April 15 to further address the case. Watson contends that the election should not proceed until her appeal is resolved and that she should be reinstated as a candidate for president.