Enforce Court Judgment Or Face Contempt-ADC NEC Tells INEC

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

ABUJA , NIGERIA – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over what it describes as the continued refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Don Norma Obinna, the party said the judgment delivered by Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is “clear, unambiguous, and binding.”

According to the NEC, the court affirmed the authority of the party’s duly constituted leadership to oversee and conduct its State Congresses as well as its National Convention.

Obinna stated that, in compliance with the court order, the party successfully held its State Congresses on May 8, 2026, followed by its National Convention on May 24, 2026.

He further noted that the exercises were conducted peacefully and transparently, and in strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the ADC Constitution, and the directives of the court.

He said it is, therefore, shocking that, despite these lawful and valid processes, INEC has continued to neglect its statutory duty by refusing to recognise and properly record the outcomes of the Congresses and the National Convention.

He maintained that such conduct is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy. An electoral management body established by law cannot position itself above the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction.

The spokesperson for NEC pointed out that the ongoing failure of INEC to perform its statutory obligations raises serious concerns.

He reiterated that it fuels public suspicion that powerful vested interests and a dissatisfied faction within the Party might be exerting undue influence on the Commission in a desperate bid to impede the enforcement of a valid court judgment.

According to him in the statement “Let it be unequivocally stated that no institution, regardless of its status, has the constitutional authority to ignore or selectively obey the judgments of Nigerian courts.

“The rule of law remains the cornerstone of our democracy, and every public body is bound by it.

“We therefore insist that INEC immediately fulfils its constitutional and statutory obligations by recognising and recording the results of the properly conducted State Congresses and National Convention, in accordance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.

“This matter transcends the African Democratic Congress. It is a crucial test of Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, judicial independence, democratic accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

“If judgments by competent courts can be disregarded by institutions tasked with defending democracy, then the very foundation of our constitutional order is at risk.

“We also inform Nigerians, members of the international community, civil society organisations, and all advocates of democracy that INEC’s ongoing refusal to obey the judgment of the Federal High Court constitutes an assault on constitutional democracy.

“Therefore, we serve notice that should INEC persist in this unlawful conduct, all lawful constitutional and judicial remedies will be pursued to enforce compliance.

“Any individual or institution that obstructs the execution of a valid court judgment shall be held accountable under the law.

“The authority of the Court is supreme. Its judgment is binding. Compliance is mandatory.

“Enough is enough. INEC must obey the judgment now”,