INEC Chairman Summoned Over Contempt Charge in Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to appear in court on March 10 to respond to a contempt charge filed by the Nation Rescue Mission (NRM).

The charge alleges that INEC failed to comply with a court order issued on March 5, 2025, which directed the commission to accept the outcome of an emergent convention led by Chief Edozi Njoku. During the proceedings, M.S.

Bawa, counsel for INEC, requested an adjournment to secure the chairman's presence, citing an emergency. However, Oladimeji Ekengba, representing NRM, insisted that the chairman must appear in person, emphasizing that contempt proceedings require the alleged contemnor to be present.

The court had previously granted an order for substituted service of the contempt process. The matter has been adjourned until March 10, with expectations that the INEC chairman will comply with the court's judgment.