ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The legal battle between the National Rescue Mission (NRM) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), escalated on Wednesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), to personally appear before it on March 10 over an alleged contempt of court.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu fixed the date after counsel to INEC, M.S. Bawa, sought an adjournment, informing the court that the chairman was unable to attend proceedings due to an emergency. But the NRM was not satisfied.
Counsel to the party, Oladimeji Ekengba, insisted that contempt proceedings require the physical presence of the alleged contemnor in the dock, questioning the chairman’s absence.
“My Lord, this is a contempt charge that requires the defendant to be present in the dock while the proceedings are ongoing. We wonder why he is not here today,” he argued.
READ ALSO:Abuja Protesters Rally In Support Of INEC Amid Call For Electoral Act Review
The dispute stems from a March 5, 2025 mandamus order directing INEC to recognise the outcome of the party’s January 17, 2025 emergency convention, which produced a leadership led by Chief Edozie Njoku.
According to the NRM, INEC was fully aware of both the convention and the court judgment, yet allegedly failed to comply despite being served with the enrolled order.
As part of the contempt process, the court had earlier granted leave for substituted service and ordered that Form 48, a notice warning of the consequences of disobeying a court order be delivered to any staff member at INEC’s national headquarters.
Before adjourning the matter, Justice Egwuatu directed that a fresh hearing notice be served on the chairman, reinforcing the court’s insistence on his appearance.
Speaking after proceedings, Njoku expressed confidence that the INEC chairman would ultimately comply with the subsisting judgment by recognising the party’s leadership.
The matter was adjourned till March 10 for the chairman’s appearance and further proceedings.