The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a contempt charge filed against Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the suit was defective because the applicant failed to personally serve the court documents on Amupitan, a requirement under the law for contempt proceedings. The case originated from a March 5, 2025 judgment by Justice Egwuatu in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/45/2025, which ordered INEC to recognize the Edozie Njoku-led faction as the legitimate national leadership of the National Rescue Movement (NRM). After INEC did not comply, the Njoku faction filed Forms 48 and 49 to initiate contempt proceedings against the former INEC chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu. INEC challenged the court's jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged contempt did not occur in the face of the court, prompting Justice Egwuatu to recuse himself. The case was reassigned to Justice Abdulmalik by Chief Judge John Tsoho. At the last hearing, the court confirmed that personal service had not been effected on Amupitan. The judge emphasized that contempt charges are semi-criminal in nature and require strict compliance with service procedures. Without proof of personal service, the court had no option but to strike out the suit.
Chinedu Obi, factional National Chairman of the NRM, welcomed the court's decision. He was accompanied by Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim, factional National Secretary, and Barrister Musa Isiaka, National Legal Adviser, when he spoke to newsmen. Obi questioned the legitimacy of the Njoku-led faction, pointing to the absence of Njoku's name on the official INEC website. He stated that only the 14-member National Executive Committee under his leadership and recognized state chairmen appear on the INEC portal. Obi urged party members nationwide to remain united and focused. He said the dismissal of the contempt charge clears the path for his faction's participation in the 2027 general elections.
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