Court Issues Contempt Notice to INEC Chairman Anyanwu

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has issued a contempt notice against Samuel Anyanwu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), due to his disobedience of a court order. The notice, delivered by Justice Joash Amupitan, warns that Anyanwu risks imprisonment if he fails to comply with the judgment issued on January 12, 2026.

This ruling dismissed Anyanwu's suit challenging his expulsion from the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The case, marked as suit no CV 1050/2025, involved responses from various PDP figures, including Iliya Umar Damagum, representing the party's National Executive Committee.

The PDP expelled Anyanwu for alleged anti-party activities based on recommendations from its National Disciplinary Committee in March 2025, which were later ratified by the party's leadership. Despite filing an appeal on April 10, 2026, the faction of the PDP maintains that the judgment remains valid and enforceable, citing Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution.