The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to comply with multiple court orders, following a closed-door meeting with the commission’s chairman in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NNPP Secretary-General, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, said the meeting with INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), ended in a stalemate, with no clear commitment from the commission to implement existing judicial rulings concerning the party’s leadership dispute.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at INEC headquarters, was attended by selected NNPP executives led by their legal counsel, Segun Fiti.
Olaposi explained that the engagement was aimed at persuading INEC to obey court judgments recognising the party’s leadership under Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Agbo Major as Chairman of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He expressed disappointment over what he described as INEC’s continued delay in uploading the party’s authentic leadership structure and official symbols to its national server, despite what he said were clear and binding court directives.
According to him, NNPP had exercised restraint by suspending planned protests over fears they could be hijacked by hoodlums, opting instead to pursue legal avenues.
“Our lawyer presented judgments from the Abia State High Court, the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and the Court of Appeal in Owerri, all affirming our position. Yet, INEC has refused to comply,” Olaposi said.
He further highlighted a mandamus order directing INEC to upload the recognised NWC members within 72 hours and file an affidavit of compliance, which he said the commission has failed to obey.
Olaposi described the situation as a “serious embarrassment to the rule of law,” noting that the INEC chairman was unable to provide any justification for the commission’s actions during the over one-hour meeting.
“When asked when the commission would comply, the chairman simply said we would hear from INEC,” he added.
The NNPP warned that the delay could affect its participation in the 2027 general elections, stating that it may seek a legal extension of the electoral timetable if necessary.
The party also called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene.
“No institution or individual is above the law. INEC’s actions are inconsistent with the principles of the rule of law and democratic governance,” Olaposi stated.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to pursuing all lawful means to compel compliance and protect its political rights.
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