By Juliet Umeh
The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Tuesday, raised fresh concerns over a looming legal tussle with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, warning that unresolved disputes over party leadership recognition could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party said INEC’s alleged failure to comply with court judgements, particularly on internal party leadership matters, may trigger a wave of litigation capable of altering the electoral timetable.
In a statement in Lagos, the NNPP National Secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi, stated that INEC’s persistent disobedience to court orders will likely have a negative effect on the election timetable if parties decide to sue the commission.
Olaposi said, “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 refuse to obey court orders.
“In a recent instance, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered a judgement compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records and recognise that Dr Agbo Major led the National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP and filed an affidavit of compliance.
“Three weeks thereafter, the commission has yet to comply, without any credible explanation.
“What is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Honourable Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgement. 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 the party will initiate contempt proceedings and will pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria if the commission fails to comply within the next seven days.
“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 Lateef Fagbemi and the Chief Justice of the president of the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate what is going on in INEC.
“The judiciary and the court must be seen to protect and guide their 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 have NEC leadership and a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department, to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy,” he added.
He added that the conduct of the commission at the moment is against the spirit and letters of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
Article Court order row: NNPP warns INEC could face fresh legal battles, timetable disruption Live On NgGossips.
