By Akpos Oje
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been served with Form 49 by the Federal High Court in Abuja, escalating a legal battle initiated by the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
The form, which was delivered on Tuesday by court bailiff Ayuba Sule, follows an earlier issuance of Form 48 last week — a legal warning over Yakubu’s alleged refusal to comply with a court judgment.
Under Nigerian law, Form 49 is a formal summons requiring an individual to show cause why they should not be committed to prison for disobeying a court order. It is the next procedural step after Form 48, which gives a two-day window for compliance before contempt proceedings are triggered.
The legal dispute stems from a ruling delivered by Justice Egwuatu on March 5, 2025. The judgment ordered INEC to recognize the resolutions of the NRM’s Emergency National Convention, held on January 17, 2025.
Reacting to the latest development, the NRM said the service of Form 49 brings Yakubu closer to facing contempt charges.
“By the service of Form 49, Mahmood has just a few days to comply with the judgment of the court or he will be docked in the court,” said Chinedu Anselem, spokesperson for the party. “If history is anything to go by, Mahmood’s defiance to court orders may leave an indelible scar.”
Anselem emphasized the party’s resolve to hold public officials accountable. “No one is above the law. Our duty as citizens is to insist that office holders abide by the rule of law,” he added.
Meanwhile, when questioned by journalists during a media interaction on Wednesday, Prof. Yakubu appeared unbothered by the legal process. “I’m used to being served Form 48 and Form 49,” he said.
INEC’s legal adviser assured the public that efforts are already underway to resolve the matter.
