INEC denies court order breach, dismisses arrest warrant claim for ex-chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports suggesting it violated a Federal High Court judgment or that a warrant of arrest was issued against its former Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC clarified that it had fully complied with the court’s ruling directing it to recognise the executive committee of the Action Alliance (AA) elected on October 7, 2023, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Olumekun debunked media reports claiming that the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, had on September 29, 2025, ordered the arrest of Prof. Yakubu for disobeying its judgment in the Action Alliance case.

“The Commission wishes to categorically state that it has not violated any court order and has fully complied with the judgment concerning the Action Alliance’s leadership,” the statement read.

He explained that misleading media reports failed to capture INEC’s subsequent actions, wrongly portraying the issue as a personal matter involving the former chairman rather than a corporate issue concerning the Commission.

“In keeping with its tradition of obeying court judgments, the Commission on October 6, 2025—still within the stipulated deadline—filed processes before the Federal High Court in Osogbo to demonstrate compliance with its judgment and order to recognise the Action Alliance executive elected in Abeokuta,” he said.

Olumekun added that INEC had even presented evidence from its official website showing compliance.

However, when the judgment creditors argued that the Commission only listed four national executives and omitted the National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje, INEC responded by presenting a Notice of Appeal filed by Omoaje himself at the Supreme Court.

“The judgment of the Court of Appeal, which sacked Omoaje as the National Chairman, remains superior to that of the Federal High Court.

“Therefore, the Commission cannot list his name while that judgment still stands,” Olumekun explained.

He appealed to media organisations to verify information before publication to avoid misleading the public.

Meanwhile, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE) have concluded a working visit to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja.

At a farewell dinner for the visiting delegation, INEC Acting Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian team for choosing Nigeria for their study tour, describing the exchange as mutually beneficial.

“Abuja is a beautiful city surrounded by hills and greenery, and I hope you will find time to visit again,” she said.

“As large, diverse nations committed to deepening democracy, our experiences may differ, but our goals are the same—to strengthen our institutions and build public trust.”

Agbamuche-Mbu also commended Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for his commitment to advancing INEC through technology and reform, expressing confidence that the lessons shared would aid Ethiopia’s democratic growth.

Responding, NEBE Deputy Chairman, Mr. Tesfaye Niwai, thanked INEC for the hospitality and insightful engagements, describing the visit as enriching and inspiring.

“This is my first time in Nigeria, and it has been an exceptional experience,” Niwai said.

“We have learned valuable lessons from INEC’s structure, its legal framework, and its strategies for inclusivity and stakeholder engagement.

“These insights will guide our ongoing electoral reforms in Ethiopia.”