The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been formally served with Form 49 by the Federal High Court in Abuja, signaling a potential jail risk for contempt of court. The service of this legal document was carried out on Tuesday by court bailiff Ayuba Sule on behalf of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), which is pursuing legal action against Yakubu for failing to comply with a court order.
Form 49 is a critical instrument in Nigerian law, issued after a contemnor has been served with Form 48 a warning of the consequences of disobeying a court order. It requires the recipient to show cause why they should not be committed to prison for contempt due to non-compliance. The NRM alleges that Yakubu and INEC have refused to recognize the outcomes of the party’s Emergency National Convention held on January 17, 2025, despite a Federal High Court judgment on March 5, 2025, ordering INEC to accept the convention’s results.
According to the NRM’s spokesperson, Chinedu Anselem, Yakubu now has only a few days to comply with the court’s judgment or face committal proceedings. The party emphasized its commitment to holding public office holders accountable and ensuring adherence to the rule of law, warning that defiance of court orders undermines democratic governance.
In response to inquiries, Professor Yakubu stated that he is accustomed to being served with Forms 48 and 49 and indicated through INEC’s legal adviser that the matter is being resolved.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between INEC and political parties over the recognition of party leadership and internal disputes, highlighting the judiciary’s role in enforcing compliance with its rulings. The outcome of this contempt proceeding could have significant implications for INEC’s leadership and its adherence to court directives.
