Court Summons INEC Chairman in NRM Contempt Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to appear before it on March 10 in response to a contempt charge filed by the National Rescue Mission (NRM).

Justice Obiora Egwuatu scheduled the hearing date after INEC’s counsel, M.S. Bawa, sought an adjournment, explaining that an emergency had prevented the chairman from attending court. Bawa also notified the court that a counter-affidavit had been filed challenging the validity of the contempt proceedings and asking the court to dismiss the charge.

Counsel to the NRM, Oladimeji Ekengba, objected to the chairman’s absence, stressing that contempt matters require personal appearance. “My Lord, this is a contempt charge that requires the defendant to be present in the dock. We wonder why he is not here today,” he said.

INEC Accused of Ignoring Mandamus Order

Before adjourning the matter, Justice Egwuatu ordered that a fresh hearing notice be served on the INEC chairman. The court had earlier authorised substituted service, permitting Form 48 — which warns of the consequences of disobeying a court order — to be delivered through any staff member at INEC’s national headquarters.

The contempt proceedings arose from an ex parte motion filed by the NRM, accusing INEC and its chairman of failing to comply with a mandamus order issued on March 5, 2025. The order directed the commission to recognise the outcome of the party’s emergency convention held on January 17, 2025, which produced the Chief Edozie Njoku-led executive committee.

In an affidavit filed in support of the motion, the NRM maintained that INEC was fully aware of both the convention and the court’s decision, noting that the commission’s counsel was present when judgment was delivered. The party further stated that despite being served with the enrolled order, the commission had not complied.

The affidavit stated in part:

“To prevent reducing this Honourable Court to a toothless bulldog and to uphold justice, the Registrar, on the Judgment Creditor’s application, issued Form 48 to be served on the Respondent’s Chairman to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for failing to comply with the judgment.”

NRM officials, including Chief Edozie Njoku, attended Wednesday’s proceedings. Following the adjournment, Njoku expressed confidence that INEC would ultimately comply with the court’s directive and formally recognise the party’s leadership.