A coalition of political parties under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately comply with a landmark judgment of the Federal High Court by reviewing and adjusting its timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, is being described by political stakeholders as a major development capable of reshaping Nigeria’s electoral and party nomination process ahead of the 2027 polls.
This is contained in a statement signed by the acting National Chairman of CUPP, Peter Ameh, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the ruling had expanded the democratic space and strengthened the constitutional rights of political parties and aspirants.
It explains that the court affirmed the right of aspirants who lose party primaries to defect to another political party and still emerge as validly substituted candidates.
“The judgment also nullified the controversial 21-day party register requirement and held that substitution primaries are not bound by rigid timelines imposed under the Electoral Act”
“The court further ruled that INEC cannot unilaterally dictate dates for internal party activities or arbitrarily reduce timelines for the submission and publication of candidates by political parties”
The statement describes the judgment as “progressive and constitutionally aligned,” urging INEC to immediately align its revised electoral timetable with the court’s pronouncements.
It warns that any attempt to appeal the judgment could create uncertainty within the political system, weaken public trust, and affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The statement also stresses that no fewer than 14 political parties had resolved to extend their internal election timetables to accommodate new entrants and defectors seeking participation in party primaries.
It adds that the move will encourage broader participation, deepen internal democracy, and guarantee a more inclusive nomination process in line with the Federal High Court ruling.
According to the statement, the coalition maintains that political parties remain committed to free, fair, and credible elections and would continue to pursue democratic reforms through lawful and constitutional means.
It also urges INEC to work closely with political stakeholders in implementing a revised and realistic timetable capable of reflecting the court’s directives and ensuring a smooth electoral process ahead of 2027.
