The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of disobeying court orders on the recognition of the party’s leadership.
The NNPP, in a statement in Lagos, by its National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, accused INEC of failing to comply with a court order which directed it to update its records and recognise the Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP and file an affidavit of compliance.
According to the statement, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory gave INEC 72 hours to comply with the order, but three weeks later, the electoral body has failed to comply and has also failed to give any explanation for its actions.
Olaposi expressed concerns that such could be happening under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, who is both a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
He added that INEC runs the risk of having to adjust the 2027 general elections timetable if it fails to resolve issues around the leadership of political parties in accordance with Court judgments.
“INEC’s disobedience to court orders is avoidable. It is disturbing that INEC, an institution led by a professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria, should disobey court orders.
“In a recent instance, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered a judgment compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records and recognise the Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of NNPP and file an affidavit of compliance.
“Three weeks after, the commission is yet to comply, without any credible explanation.
“What is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment. The commission was duly served by the court bailiff and proof of service is properly entered in the court record.
“It, therefore, stands to reason that INEC must accord the NNPP adequate and equal time, like other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections,” he said.
Threat To Democracy
The NNPP vowed to initiate contempt proceedings against INEC to pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria if the commission failed to comply within the next seven days.
It also called on the Attorney-General and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi and the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate what is going on in INEC, saying the judiciary must not be brought into disrepute.
The party warned that INEC’s actions so far constitute a threat to democracy in Nigeria.
“We call the attention of the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders to urgently call INEC to order, so as to prevent any further distortion of the 2027 election timetable.
“We specifically call on the Attorney-General and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi and the president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate what is going on in INEC.
“The judiciary and the court must be seen to protect and guide its jurisdiction jealously to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure that lawful orders are neither ignored nor undermined.
“INEC’s present conduct may constitute a threat to democracy and we join other well-meaning Nigerians in calling it to retrace its steps.
“We also call for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy,” Olaposi said.