PDP Faction Files Contempt Notice Against INEC Chairman

A faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to Tanimu Turaki, has filed a contempt action against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, for failing to comply with a court order issued on January 17.

This order dismissed a suit filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu challenging his expulsion from the PDP. The contempt notice was filed on April 20 at the FCT High Court.

The court had previously ruled that Anyanwu's tenure had expired in December of the previous year, and thus, his claims were dismissed. However, the Damagum group maintains that INEC must comply with the January verdict, which was against the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Anyanwu's lawyer, Ken Njemanz, noted that the committee recommended Anyanwu's suspension, but the court did not dismiss the suit, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The court's verdict in January did not affirm Anyanwu's suspension or expulsion, merely stating it held no jurisdiction over the matter.