The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has threatened to initiate contempt action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if it fails to comply with court orders within the next seven days.
The party said it will pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
A statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, explained 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 further explained that INEC risks adjustment of the 2027 general elections timetable if it fails to resolve issues around leadership of political parties in accordance with court judgments.
The statement lamented, “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.”
The party’s National Secretary noted that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory recently delivered a judgment compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records, recognise the Dr. Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP, and file an affidavit of compliance.
He lamented that three weeks after, the commission has yet to comply, without any credible explanation, saying that what is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Honourable Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment and 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,” the statement observed.
The party called on 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.
The party specifically called on the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice of the Federation, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate what is going on in INEC.
It noted that the judiciary and the courts 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.
According to him, INEC’s present conduct may constitute a threat to democracy, saying the party is joining other well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the commission to retrace its steps.
He also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department, to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy.
Olaposi added that the conduct of the commission at the moment seemed to be against the spirit and letter of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
🚨 BREAKING: Watch the full clip here ➤
