The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied allegations that it disobeyed a Federal High Court order regarding the leadership crisis within the Action Alliance (AA) political party. In a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission described recent media reports as “misleading and mischievous.”
The controversy stems from a September 29, 2025 judgment by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, which directed INEC to recognize the AA executive elected during the party’s October 2023 convention in Abeokuta. The court also ordered the Commission to upload the names of the newly elected national and state officers, including Rufai Omoaje, to its official portal.
INEC clarified that the omission was intentional and legally justified, citing a Court of Appeal judgment that had previously removed Omoaje from the position. The Commission emphasized that the appellate court’s decision remains binding and supersedes the Federal High Court’s ruling, pending a final determination by the Supreme Court.
“The judgment of the Court of Appeal is superior to that of the Federal High Court. Hence, the Commission cannot list Omoaje’s name while the appellate court’s decision remains in force,” Olumekun stated.
INEC urged media outlets to verify facts before publication, warning that inaccurate reporting could mislead the public and distort judicial processes. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and complying with all valid court judgments.