The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a formal warning to Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The “notice of consequences of disobedience of court order,” contained in Form 48 dated April 20, 2026, cautions that both men risk imprisonment for failing to comply with a January 12, 2026, judgment.
The judgment in question dismissed Anyanwu’s legal challenge against his expulsion from the PDP. The court’s notice stated:“Take notice that unless you stop further disobedience and comply forthwith/obey the judgment/order of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, made on the 12th of January 2026, which dismissed the suit of Senator Samual N. Anyanwu challenging his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party, you will be guilty of contempt and you will be liable to be committed to prison.”
Read Also: Massive Defections Hit House Of Reps As Lawmakers Quit LP, PDP, APC
The PDP is currently split into two warring camps: one led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, and another led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Anyanwu was expelled in 2025 for alleged anti-party activities, a move he unsuccessfully challenged in court.
Despite the dismissal of his case by Justice Yusuf Halilu, Anyanwu participated in a Wike-backed convention in March 2026, where he was retained as National Secretary—a leadership structure initially recognized by INEC.
The Turaki-led faction, through counsel Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN), has written to INEC demanding the immediate withdrawal of Anyanwu’s recognition.
They argue that a notice of appeal filed by Anyanwu on April 10, 2026, does not stay the execution of the original judgment.
The letter emphasized:“Senator Samuel Anyanwu has ceased to be a member and officer of the Peoples Democratic Party and has no competence to act on behalf of the party in any capacity whatsoever since his expulsion… By implication, the judgment dismissing his case remains subsisting and in force, and the commission has a constitutional obligation to enforce, comply with, and implement the judgment.”
The Turaki camp warned that if INEC continues to recognize Anyanwu, they will proceed with contempt charges against the Commission’s chairman and take further legal action to ensure “justice is done in this matter.”
