The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, if the commission fails to comply with a court judgment within the next seven days.
The party in a statement signed by the national secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, stated that INEC's persistent disobedience to court orders will likely have a negative effect on the election time table if parties decided to sue the commission.
Olaposi further said INEC risks adjustment of the 2027 general elections time table if it fails to resolve issues around leaderships of political parties in accordance with Court judgments.
"INEC's disobedience to court orders is avoidable. It is disturbing that INEC--an institution led by a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, should refuse to obey court orders.
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"In a recent instance, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered a judgment compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records and recognise the Dr. Agbo Major -led National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP and file an affidavit of compliance.
"Three weeks thereafter, the commission has yet to comply, without any credible explanation.
"What is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Honourable Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment. The commission was duly served by the court bailiff, and proof of service is properly entered in the court record.
"It, therefore, stands to reason that INEC must accord the NNPP adequate and equal time, like other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections.
"We call the attention of the federal government and other critical stakeholders to urgently call INEC to order, so as to prevent any further distortion of the 2027 election timetable.
"We specifically call on the Attorney-General and Chief Justice of the Lateef Fagbemi, and the Chief Justice of the president of Nigeria Bar Association to investigate what is going on in INEC
"The judiciary and the court must be seen to protect and guide its jurisdiction jealously to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure that lawful orders are neither ignored nor undermined."
According to him, INEC's present conduct may constitute a threat to democracy, saying the party is joining other well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the commission to retrace its steps.
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He also called for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department to restore credibility and safeguard the nation's democracy.
Olaposi added that the conduct of the commission at the moment seemed to be against the spirit and letters of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
