Court order row: NNPP warns INEC could face fresh legal battles, timetable disruption
NNPP Raises Concerns Over Potential Legal Disputes with INEC
By Juliet Umeh
LAGOS — The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed apprehension on Tuesday regarding possible legal challenges with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party cautioned that ongoing disputes surrounding party leadership recognition could hinder preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a statement, NNPP National Secretary Ogini Olaposi criticized INEC for not adhering to court rulings, particularly those related to internal party leadership issues. He warned that this noncompliance could lead to a series of lawsuits that might disrupt the electoral timetable.
“INEC’s disobedience to court orders is avoidable,” Olaposi stated. He highlighted concerns that an institution led by a professor of law and senior advocate should not disregard judicial decisions.
Recently, the Federal Capital Territory High Court mandated INEC to update its records to recognize Dr. Agbo Major as the leader of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP and instructed compliance within 72 hours. Olaposi noted that three weeks had passed without any response from INEC, raising questions about the commission’s accountability.
“Time has been running against INEC since the court delivered its judgment. The court bailiff served the commission, and proof of service is documented in the court records,” Olaposi explained. He insisted that INEC must ensure the NNPP has sufficient time to prepare for the elections, similar to other political parties.
Olaposi announced that if INEC fails to comply within the next week, the party would consider initiating contempt proceedings, pursuing the matter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He urged the Federal Government and influential stakeholders to intervene, emphasizing the need for INEC to adhere to judicial orders to avoid further disruptions to the electoral timeline.
“We specifically call on the Attorney-General and Chief Justice Lateef Fagbemi, as well as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, to investigate the situation at INEC,” he added. Olaposi also stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judiciary, asserting that courts must protect their authority.
He warned that INEC’s current actions pose a threat to democracy and called for a reassessment of the commission’s leadership and its legal department to uphold the nation’s democratic integrity.
Olaposi concluded by stating that the commission’s conduct contradicts the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda outlined by the President.
