MCE faults INEC over appeal on 2027 election timetable

…Says move may erode public trust in electoral body

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Movement for Credible Elections, MCE, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over its decision to appeal a recent judgment nullifying aspects of the Commission’s timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

The group warned that the appeal and INEC’s reported move to seek a stay of execution of the judgment could further weaken public confidence in the Commission’s neutrality and credibility ahead of the 2027 polls.

Justice Umar had delivered a declaratory judgment nullifying portions of INEC’s timetable relating to timelines for submission of candidates by political parties.

In a statement on Thursday signed by its Chairman, Dr. Usman Bugaje; Co-Chairman, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili; Deputy Chairman, Hajiya Bilikisu Magoro; and Head of National Secretariat, Olawale Okunniyi, the group urged INEC to withdraw the appeal and focus on delivering credible elections.

According to MCE, the judgment merely reaffirmed provisions of Section 29 of the Electoral Act, which allows political parties to submit their final list of candidates not later than 120 days before an election.

The group argued that declaratory judgments could not be stayed, adding that INEC’s decision to challenge the ruling raised concerns about the Commission’s intentions.

“The judgment is declaratory. It does not impose new obligations on INEC; it merely restates the clear provision of Section 29 of the Electoral Act,” the statement said.

MCE further maintained that INEC had no operational need for excessively early submission of candidates’ names since ballot papers bear party names and logos rather than names of candidates.

According to the group, compelling parties to conclude primaries too early could undermine internal democracy and increase pre-election litigations.

The coalition also warned that INEC’s involvement in litigation against political parties over timetable issues could create the perception that the Commission was no longer acting as a neutral umpire.

“Public trust is the most valuable asset of any electoral umpire. When INEC becomes a litigant against political parties over a timetable issue, it risks being perceived as an interested party rather than a neutral regulator,” it stated.

Citing Afrobarometer’s 2023 survey, the group said only 23 per cent of Nigerians expressed trust in INEC, stressing that the Commission should focus on rebuilding public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.

MCE argued that INEC’s mandate was to enforce the law impartially and not contest judicial interpretations that merely clarified provisions of the Electoral Act.

The group also questioned what public interest was served by “deliberately abridging electoral timelines and shrinking democratic participation windows” in ways that could disadvantage emerging political parties.

MCE is a coalition led by Dr. Usman Bugaje, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Prof. Pat Utomi, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Prince Adewole Adebayo, Comrade Ene Obi and Dr. Bilikisu Magoro, among others.

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