Political Parties Ask INEC to Obey Court Judgment, Adjust 2027 Election Timetable

A coalition of political parties under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with the recent Federal High Court judgment affecting the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on May 21, 2026, the parties described the ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court as a landmark judgment capable of reshaping Nigeria’s electoral process and expanding democratic participation.
According to the coalition, the judgment grants political parties greater flexibility in managing their internal affairs and strengthens party autonomy ahead of the 2027 polls.
The parties highlighted several key aspects of the court’s pronouncement, including the recognition of the right of politicians who lost party primaries to defect to another political party and still be validly substituted as candidates. The judgment also reportedly nullified the 21-day party register requirement and exempted substitution primaries from strict timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act.
Additionally, the court affirmed that INEC lacks the constitutional powers to dictate specific dates for internal party activities or unilaterally reduce timelines for submission and publication processes.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Peter Ameh commended the Federal High Court for what he described as a progressive and constitutionally aligned decision.
“We commend the Federal High Court for this progressive and constitution-aligned judgment,” Ameh stated.
He further urged INEC to immediately adjust its revised electoral timetable to reflect the court’s directives, warning that any move to challenge the ruling on appeal could create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections.
“INEC must immediately obey this ruling and adjust its timetable accordingly. Any decision to appeal this judgment will only create unnecessary uncertainty, erode public confidence, and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections,” he added.
The CUPP Acting National Chairman also disclosed that no fewer than 14 political parties have agreed to extend their internal election timetables in order to accommodate new defectors and ensure broader participation in their nomination processes.
According to the coalition, the judgment represents a major victory for internal democracy and the rights of party aspirants and candidates across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The parties further called on INEC to collaborate with political stakeholders in implementing what they described as a realistic and lawful electoral timetable in line with the Federal High Court ruling.
They reaffirmed their commitment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, pledging to continue defending democratic principles through constitutional and lawful means.
The statement was signed by Peter Ameh, Acting National Chairman of the CUPP.