The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately comply with a recent Federal High Court judgment that nullified parts of the commission’s electoral guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition said the ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court has reshaped the political environment ahead of the next election cycle and expanded the rights of political parties and aspirants across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Acting National Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP urged the electoral body to quickly review and adjust its timetable in line with the court’s decision.
According to the coalition, the judgment strengthens internal democracy within political parties and removes several restrictions that had limited political participation.
“The court’s decisions have broadened the democratic framework by providing political parties with increased flexibility in managing their internal matters,” Ameh stated.
The ruling reportedly touched on major areas of the Electoral Act and INEC regulations. Among the key decisions is the approval for politicians who lose party primaries to defect to another political party and still emerge as validly substituted candidates for elections.
The court also struck out the requirement mandating political parties to complete registration processes within 21 days. It further ruled that substitution primaries should not be subjected to rigid deadlines imposed under the Electoral Act.
Justice Umar equally held that INEC lacks the authority to fix compulsory dates for internal party activities or arbitrarily shorten timelines for submission and publication of candidates by political parties.
Reacting to the development, CUPP described the judgment as a victory for constitutional democracy and political inclusion.
“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,” Ameh said.
He warned that any attempt by the electoral commission to challenge the ruling on appeal could create uncertainty within the political system and weaken public confidence in preparations for the 2027 elections.
“Any move to appeal this ruling will only lead to unnecessary confusion, diminish public trust, and compromise the integrity of the 2027 general elections,” he added.
Ameh further disclosed that no fewer than 14 political parties have already agreed to extend their internal election schedules in anticipation of more defections and increased political realignments ahead of the polls.
According to him, the decision by the parties is aimed at accommodating new entrants while ensuring a broader and more inclusive nomination process.
The coalition maintained that the judgment would encourage fairness in party administration, protect the rights of aspirants and reduce excessive interference in the internal affairs of political parties.