The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has again written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding immediate compliance with a subsisting court judgment and requesting a meeting to address what it described as continued non-compliance.
In a letter dated April 13, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman and copied to the Director of Legal, the party, through its solicitors, Lex Firma LP, expressed concern that more than three weeks after a ruling by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission had yet to act.
The NNPP recalled that it had earlier written to INEC on March 24, 2026, notifying it of the judgment delivered on March 17 and demanding compliance within 72 hours, as directed by the court.
“Regrettably, despite the clear and unambiguous orders of the Court mandating compliance within 72 hours, more than three weeks have elapsed without any response whatsoever from the commission.
“No steps have been taken to comply with the subsisting judgment, nor has any formal communication been issued to our client explaining the commission’s position,” the letter stated.
The party described the situation as troubling, particularly in light of the “very public decampment” of Ajuji Ahmed and his associates to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“It is, therefore, surprising that the commission continues to withhold recognition from the authentic leadership of the NNPP, while appearing to recognise individuals who have openly decamped from the party and who have repeatedly failed in their claims before courts of competent jurisdiction,” the party said.
The NNPP further criticised what it called a disregard for judicial authority, warning of potential implications for the rule of law.
“Indeed, the notion that any person or authority can elect to ignore a valid and subsisting judgment of a court, or proceed to interpret such judgment from the comfort of its offices without recourse to due process, is most distressing and does not augur well for the rule of law in this country,” the letter read.
It also faulted INEC for allegedly failing to engage with the party despite several correspondences.
“It is equally troubling that the commission… has consistently refused to engage with our client, despite the service of several letters. To date, no response has been received, nor has any formal invitation been extended,’’ it added.
Reaffirming its legal stance, the party stressed that court judgments remain binding until overturned by a higher court.
“We must respectfully reiterate… that a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction remains binding on all parties until it is set aside by a superior court,” the letter stated, noting that no stay of execution had been granted.
The NNPP warned that continued delay in compliance could have serious electoral consequences, including the disenfranchisement of its supporters.
“Continued delay in compliance may result in the disenfranchisement of thousands of supporters of the party, an outcome which would be both unjust and avoidable,” it said.
In a bid to resolve the matter amicably, the party formally requested a meeting between INEC officials and members of its National Working Committee to discuss the issues.
The NNPP expressed optimism that such engagement would lead to constructive dialogue and a resolution of the impasse, urging the commission to propose a convenient date for the meeting.
What you should know
The NNPP’s dispute with INEC highlights ongoing tensions over party leadership recognition and compliance with court rulings in Nigeria’s political system.
The party insists that a valid court judgment remains unenforced, raising concerns about the rule of law and electoral fairness. With references to recent defections and competing claims of legitimacy, the situation reflects broader challenges within party politics.
If unresolved, the standoff could affect voter participation and party activities, especially as preparations for future elections continue to intensify.
