NNPP ACCUSES INEC OF DISOBEYING COURT ORDER, WARNS OF RISK TO 2027 ELECTION TIMETABLE

NNPP Accuses INEC of Disobeying Court Order, Warns of Risk to 2027 Election Timetable

By Babatunde Aremu

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of disobeying a court order, warning that the Commission’s conduct could force further adjustments to the 2027 general election timetable.

In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, NNPP Secretary-General, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, said INEC had failed to comply with a judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory which directed the Commission to update its records and recognise the Dr. Agbo Major Gilbert-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

According to the NNPP, the court gave INEC 72 hours to comply and file an affidavit of compliance. Three weeks after the judgment, the party said, the Commission had yet to obey the order.

“The Commission was duly served by the court bailiff, and proof of service is properly entered in the court record,” Oginni said. “What is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Honourable Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment.”

The NNPP argued that the delay denies it “adequate and equal time, like other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections.” The party confirmed it had commenced contempt proceedings and would pursue the matter “up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria” if necessary.

Oginni called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to “urgently call INEC to order” to prevent distortion of the election timetable. He specifically urged the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Chief Justice of Nigeria; and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate the Commission.

“The judiciary and the courts must be seen to protect and guard their jurisdiction jealously to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure that lawful orders are neither ignored nor undermined,” the statement read.

The NNPP described INEC’s conduct as “an embarrassment to the rule of law” and “a clear threat to democracy,” and called for a “comprehensive overhaul of the Commission, particularly its Legal Department, to restore credibility.”

The party added that INEC’s current posture runs “against the spirit and letter of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”