- The notice stressed that immediate compliance with the judgment is required
- They also warned that failure by the electoral body to act in line with the judgment could lead to further legal action
- The ruling had thrown out Anyanwu’s suit challenging his expulsion from the PDP
A warning has been issued by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Samuel Anyanwu, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged failure to comply with a court ruling.
In a Form 48 notice dated April 20, 2026, Eko Hot Blog reports that the court stated that both men could face contempt proceedings, including possible imprisonment, if they continue to disregard its judgment delivered on January 12, 2026. The ruling had thrown out Anyanwu’s suit challenging his expulsion from the PDP.
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The notice stressed that immediate compliance with the judgment is required, warning that any further disobedience would attract legal consequences.
The case, identified as CV/1050/2025, lists Anyanwu as the respondent, while members of the PDP National Executive Committee, represented by acting chairman Umar Damagum and others, are named as applicants. The INEC chairman is also included in the matter.
This development is tied to the lingering internal crisis within the PDP, which has split into opposing camps.
One faction is associated with Tanimu Turaki and supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, while another group aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike backs a separate leadership structure.
The dispute began after the party’s National Disciplinary Committee recommended Anyanwu’s expulsion in March 2025 over alleged anti-party conduct, a decision later upheld by party authorities.
Although Anyanwu sought legal redress, the FCT High Court dismissed his case in January 2026. He subsequently filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in April.
Despite the court ruling, Anyanwu remained active within a faction of the party that held a separate convention in Abuja in late March 2026, where he was retained as national secretary. That leadership was later recognised by INEC.
However, the rival Turaki-led group has insisted that the court judgment remains valid and enforceable, arguing that the appeal does not amount to a stay of execution.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, addressed to the INEC chairman, the faction called for the withdrawal of recognition of Anyanwu in any capacity within the party, maintaining that he ceased to be a member from the moment of his expulsion.
They also warned that failure by the electoral body to act in line with the judgment could lead to further legal action, including contempt proceedings against the commission.
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