ABUJA – A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has initiated contempt proceedings against Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over their alleged refusal to obey a valid court judgment.
The court issued a Form 48, titled “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court,” warning both officials that they face imprisonment unless they immediately comply with the judgment delivered on January 12, 2026.
The Legal Dispute
The crisis follows a legal battle (Suit No. CV/1050/2025) between Anyanwu and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum.
On January 12, the court dismissed Anyanwu’s suit challenging his expulsion from the PDP for alleged anti-party activities. The ruling effectively stripped him of his membership and his position as the party’s National Secretary.
Alleged Defiance
Despite the ruling, the Judgment Creditors (PDP) allege that Senator Anyanwu has continued to parade himself as a party official and that INEC has failed to delist him from its records.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, counsel to the PDP, Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, argued that INEC’s continued recognition of Anyanwu is a breach of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates all authorities to enforce court judgments.
“The judgment of the court is clear. Anyanwu has ceased to be a member and officer of the PDP,” the legal team stated. They further clarified that while an appeal has been filed, it does not stop the execution of the existing judgment.
Notice of Consequences
The Form 48, served by Maxim Law Firm at Anyanwu’s residence in Wuye and the INEC headquarters in Maitama, serves as a final warning. It directs the parties to “cease further disobedience” or face committal to prison for contempt of court.
The PDP is now demanding that INEC immediately expunge all official correspondences and recognitions accorded to Anyanwu since the January ruling.
As of press time, neither Senator Anyanwu nor the INEC Chairman has issued an official response to the notice.
