Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a contempt charge be served on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, via substituted means, over allegations of disobedience to a court order.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the directive on Monday, allowing the service of Form 48 – a legal notice for contempt proceedings – on any staff member of INEC at its headquarters in Abuja, rather than directly on the Chairman himself.
The contempt proceedings stem from allegations that INEC failed to comply with a previous court ruling which recognized Chief Edozie Njoku as the authentic National Chairman of the National Rescue Mission (NRM) along with his leadership structure.
The court had earlier affirmed Njoku’s leadership of the party, but INEC allegedly continued to engage with a rival faction, prompting the initiation of contempt proceedings by Njoku’s legal team.
Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until July 15, 2025, for further hearing and to allow INEC to respond to the charge.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the recognition of political parties and their leadership by Nigeria's electoral umpire, especially in the run-up to upcoming elections.
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