2027: Obey court order, revise election timetable immediately – CUPP to INEC

The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to adhere to the significant ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court on Thursday, which invalidated its deadline for political parties.

CUPP stated that the ruling had transformed the electoral landscape for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The Nigerian political parties called on INEC to promptly comply with the court’s decision by revising its timetable to reflect the judgment.

CUPP remarked in a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, its Acting National Chairman that, “The court’s decisions have broadened the democratic framework by providing political parties with increased flexibility in managing their internal matters.”

DAILY POST also reports that key aspects of the ruling include the allowance for politicians who have lost primary elections to switch to another party and still be validly replaced as candidates, the annulment of the 21-day party registration requirement, the exemption of substitution primaries from stringent Electoral Act deadlines, and the confirmation that INEC cannot impose specific dates for internal party activities or unilaterally reduce submission and publication periods.

Ameh stated, “We commend the Federal High Court for this forward-thinking and constitutionally aligned ruling. INEC must promptly comply with this decision and adjust its timetable accordingly.

“Any move to appeal this ruling will only lead to unnecessary confusion, diminish public trust, and compromise the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”

Chief Ameh further revealed that 14 political parties have agreed to announce extended election timetables to accommodate new defectors and ensure a more inclusive nomination process in accordance with the court’s ruling.

The parties underscored that the judgment enhances internal democracy, fosters party independence, and safeguards the rights of aspirants and candidates.

2027: Obey court order, revise election timetable immediately – CUPP to INEC