Federal High Court Orders INEC Chairman to Appear in Contempt Proceedings
The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to appear before it on March 10 to answer a contempt charge instituted by the National Rescue Mission (NRM).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order after INEC’s counsel, M.S. Bawa, sought an adjournment, citing an emergency that prevented the chairman’s attendance. Bawa further informed the court that a counter‑affidavit had been filed challenging the competence of the contempt proceedings.
Counsel to the NRM, Oladimeji Ekengba, however, insisted that the INEC chairman’s physical presence was mandatory, stressing that contempt proceedings require the alleged contemnor to be in the dock.
The court consequently directed that a fresh hearing notice be served on the INEC chairman. Earlier, the court had granted substituted service of Form 48, the statutory notice warning of the consequences of disobedience to a court order, to be delivered at INEC’s national headquarters.
The contempt charge stems from allegations that INEC and its chairman failed to comply with a mandamus order issued on March 5, 2025, directing the commission to recognise the Chief Edozie Njoku‑led executive committee of the NRM, following an emergency convention held on January 17, 2025.
In its supporting affidavit, the NRM argued that INEC was fully aware of the convention and the judgment, noting that its counsel was present when the ruling was delivered. Despite service of the enrolled order, the commission allegedly refused to comply.
Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter to March 10, when the INEC chairman is expected to appear in person for further proceedings.
