INEC REBUFFS ALLEGATIONS OF COURT ORDER DISOBEDIENCE, ASSERTS COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL HIGH COURT DIRECTIVE

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pushed back against reports alleging non-compliance with a Federal High Court judgement in Oshogbo, Osun State, clarifying it acted in line with the court’s order regarding recognition of Action Alliance (AA) leadership. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, issued a statement Thursday dismissing misleading media portrayals suggesting contempt of court by INEC.

In the statement, Sam Olumekun emphasized INEC filed requisite processes at the Federal High Court, Oshogbo on October 6, 2025, demonstrating adherence to the judgement concerning executives elected on October 7, 2023 in Abeokuta. Olumekun highlighted evidence showcasing compliance was presented, including dashboard data from INEC’s website.

Controversy arose as judgement creditors claimed partial compliance, pointing to exclusion of AA National Chairman Rufai Omoaje from listed executives. Sam Olumekun countered referencing Omoaje’s own Supreme Court appeal challenging his removal by the Court of Appeal. “The Commission cannot list Omoaje’s name as Action Alliance chairman with the Appeal Court judgement subsisting,” Olumek said, citing the superior standing of the Court of Appeal ruling.

Sam Olumekun urged media practitioners to fact-check publications to prevent dissemination of inaccurate information, stressing INEC’s consistent adherence to court pronouncements. Olumekun’s clarification underscores INEC’s position on upholding legal judgements amidst evolving judicial processes involving political parties like Action Alliance.