Lawsuit postpones NAACP presidential election

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Nana Watson, the former head of the Columbus NAACP, has filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court to stop the agency from holding an election to install a new president.  

The court also granted her a temporary restraining order. As a result, the branch elections scheduled for Wednesday were put on pause.  

Watson was originally running against local attorney Sean Walton in the November branch election, which was rescheduled for Wednesday, but a ballot sent to members in March, only listed Walton's name as eligible to receive votes for president. When asked about the lawsuit, Walton said he had no comment.  

Watson served as president of the Columbus branch for 10 years. She has been involved in an ongoing battle with NAACP leadership after being removed as president of the local chapter in January.   

A cease-and-desist letter sent to Watson by national leadership alleges she mishandled membership dues, refused to work with other organizations, and made false statements regarding correspondence with the national office.  

Watson's lawsuit states the allegations against her are “unsubstantiated.” It also provides copies of the letters she said the national branch sent her.  

The lawsuit claims the elections should not take place until the allegations against her are resolved. It states Watson had a hearing in February with the national organization and was told the board's decision would be announced in May.  

The lawsuit claims the NAACP breached its contract with Watson and as a direct result she's “suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable harm.” 

Watson's lawsuit says, “The NAACP's attempt to remove her from her position and conduct an election with following proper procedures is not supported by either the facts or the NAACP's own constitution and bylaws.” 

NBC4 reached out to Watson and her attorney, along with Joel King, who has been serving as the Columbus chapter's acting president, and has yet to hear back.   

Read Watson's lawsuit below.