2027: Parties welcome court verdict voiding INEC timelines

By Luminous Jannamike

Political parties on Thursday welcomed the Federal High Court judgment nullifying parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the ruling as a major relief after months of complaints over the electoral body’s timelines.

The judgment could significantly reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 polls, following sustained concerns from political parties that INEC’s timetable was limiting their ability to properly organise their activities.

“There is a need to hurry slowly on critical democratic processes. I’m certain that all political parties are gladdened by the judgment. The judgment will help parties to better organise themselves,” spokesman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN, Ini Ememobong, told Vanguard.

Speaking separately, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Working Committee, aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Mohammed Haruna Jungudo, said the camp was still reviewing the court decision.

“I will revert back to you. We are studying the judgment now,” he stated.

PRP

Also reacting, National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Redemption Party, Muhammed Bello Ishaq, said the ruling appeared to restore powers political parties believed INEC had gradually taken over.

He said, “On the face of it, it promotes the growth and development of our democratic culture by restoring critical responsibilities to political parties, which INEC had usurped.

“It expands the scope for decision-making within parties and removes the unhealthy regimentation of our activities.”

He warned, however, that the ruling could trigger another legal battle if INEC decides to challenge the judgment.

“INEC may choose to appeal, although we hope that patriots and influential stakeholders will intervene to restrain such actions,” he said.

Ishaq also argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, could emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the judgment amid internal disagreements over candidate selection.

He said, “The ruling party, APC, is likely to be a major beneficiary of this judgment, given its current desperate state in addressing the multiple grievances arising from its attempts to handpick candidates.

“Other parties will also be eager to explore how this judgment can help them expand their membership and enhance the quality of their flag-bearers.”

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