HOPE PARTY SEEKS CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST INEC CHAIRMAN OVER ALLEGED DISOBEDIENCE OF COURT ORDERS

The Hope Democratic Party (Hope Party) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged failure to comply with subsisting court orders.

In a press statement issued by the party and signed by its Legal Adviser, Onofowode Adebayo, Esq., the party accused INEC of what it described as “selective obedience” to court rulings, alleging that the electoral body has ignored court orders restraining it from obstructing the operations and activities of the Hope Party as a duly registered political party.

According to the statement, the matter is scheduled to be heard on February 10, 2026, at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The court is expected to consider why contempt proceedings should not be commenced against the INEC Chairman for allegedly failing, refusing, or neglecting to comply with a long-standing court order served on the commission.

The Hope Party further claimed that INEC has never appealed the order of perpetual injunction granted in its favour, yet has continued actions that allegedly undermine the party’s operations. The party also drew parallels with past disputes involving former INEC leadership and opposition political parties.

In addition to the contempt application, the party disclosed that it has filed motions urging the court to restrain INEC from engaging in further preparations for the 2027 general elections until all outstanding court orders are fully respected and complied with.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to reach the commission for comments were ongoing.