NNPP Warns INEC: Court Disobedience Could Disrupt 2027 Election Timetable
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has cautioned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) risks altering the 2027 general election timetable if it fails to resolve leadership disputes in political parties in line with existing court judgments.¹
In a statement issued in Lagos, NNPP National Secretary Mr Ogini Olaposi said INEC’s continued failure to obey court orders could negatively affect the election schedule, especially if political parties take legal action against the commission.²
Alleged Non-Compliance With Court Order
Olaposi described INEC’s disregard for judicial pronouncements as avoidable and disturbing, noting that the commission is led by a professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria.³
He pointed to a recent judgment by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory which directed INEC to update its records within 72 hours and recognise the Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP, along with filing an affidavit of compliance.⁴
According to him, three weeks have passed since the ruling, yet the commission has not complied and has not provided any credible explanation.
“What is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day 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,” Olaposi said.
Call for Equal Treatment Ahead of 2027
He argued that INEC must give the NNPP adequate and equal time, as it does other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections.⁵
Olaposi warned that if the commission does not comply within the next seven days, the party will commence contempt proceedings and pursue the matter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria to ensure justice and equity.⁶
Appeal to FG and Legal Authorities
The NNPP called on the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders to intervene and call INEC to order to prevent further distortion of the 2027 election timetable.
“We specifically call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi, and the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate what is going on in INEC,” Olaposi stated.
He added that the judiciary and the courts must protect their jurisdiction to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure lawful orders are not ignored or undermined.⁷
Demand for Overhaul of INEC
Olaposi said INEC’s current conduct may constitute a threat to democracy and joined other Nigerians in urging the commission to retrace its steps.
He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department, to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy.⁸
He further stated that the commission’s present actions run contrary to the spirit and letters of the Renewed Hope agenda of the President.
NNPP’s Position
The party maintained that obeying court judgments is not optional for INEC and that any delay in recognising its legitimate leadership structure shortchanges its members and supporters.
The NNPP said it remains committed to due process but will exhaust all legal avenues to ensure it participates fully in the 2027 polls on equal footing with other parties.