INEC Chairman Yakubu and APGA’s Oye Given Ultimatum by Court: Comply in 14 Days or Face Jail.
In a significant development, Justice Mohammed Madugu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Bwari, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Yakubu Mahmood, and the ex-factional Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye.
The court order directs them to comply with a previous court order within 14 days or risk facing legal consequences, including imprisonment.
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The ruling stems from a committal proceeding (Form 49) based on a motion on notice filed against Chief Victor Oye and the INEC Chairman by Otunba Camaru Lateef Ogidan and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha, two APGA National Working Committee members.
The applicants sought the court’s intervention, alleging that Oye and INEC had violated a court order issued on May 10, restraining them from conducting Ward, Local Government, State Congresses, and a Convention.
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Justice Madugu, in his earlier order on May 10, had instructed both parties to “maintain status quo ante bellum” pending the hearing of a notice of preliminary objection filed by Oye on May 9, 2023. The order explicitly prohibited any APGA-related activities until the court had considered the preliminary objection.
Despite this clear directive, Oye proceeded to conduct Congresses under INEC’s supervision later in May, leading to the present contempt proceedings.
In his judgment, Justice Madugu emphasized the gravity of flouting court orders, stating, “A court does not make an order in vain; a court order must not be disobeyed. Disobedience to a valid court order undermines the integrity and sanctity of the court. This insanity of flouting court orders must stop, and it cannot continue.”
The court, deeming Oye and the INEC Chairman in contempt, issued a 14-day ultimatum for them to rectify their non-compliance or face severe consequences.
Michael Ajara, legal representative for the APGA officials, commented on the court’s leniency, stating, “The only way is for them to undo what they did and obey the order made on May 10, failure of which will land them in jail.”
This development marks a critical juncture in the legal proceedings surrounding APGA and INEC, emphasizing the court’s commitment to upholding its orders and maintaining the sanctity of the legal process.
