The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued a notice of consequences of disobedience of court order against Samuel Anyanwu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.
The court, in a Form 48 dated April 20, 2026, warned that both individuals risk imprisonment if they fail to comply with its judgment delivered on January 12, 2026.
The ruling had dismissed Anyanwu’s suit challenging his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The notice read in part: “Take notice that unless you stop further disobedience… you will be guilty of contempt and liable to be committed to prison.”
The case, marked Suit No. CV/1050/2025, listed Anyanwu as respondent, while key PDP figures, including Iliya Umar Damagum, represented the party’s National Executive Committee as applicants.
The dispute stems from the PDP’s decision to expel Anyanwu over alleged anti-party activities, a recommendation made by the party’s National Disciplinary Committee in March 2025 and later ratified by its leadership.
Despite filing an appeal on April 10, 2026, a faction of the PDP maintains that the judgment remains valid and enforceable.
The party cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that a notice of appeal does not amount to a stay of execution.
According to the party, Anyanwu has ceased to be a member and cannot act in any official capacity.
The development is the latest twist in the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, which has split into rival factions.
One faction is aligned with Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and backed by governors such as Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
The other faction is linked to figures such as Nyesom Wike.
In a letter dated April 16, 2026, the Turaki-led faction demanded that INEC withdraw recognition of Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary.
The group warned that failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings against the commission’s chairman and further legal action.
