CUPP, Political Parties Ask INEC to Obey Court Ruling, Review 2027 Election Timetable

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and several political parties have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately comply with the recent Federal High Court judgment that nullified parts of the commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the parties described the ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar as a landmark judgment that would broaden democratic participation and strengthen internal party democracy.

The statement, signed by the Acting National Chairman of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, urged INEC to adjust its electoral timetable in line with the court’s pronouncements rather than pursue an appeal.

According to the coalition, the judgment grants political parties greater flexibility in managing their internal affairs and candidate nomination processes ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among the major aspects of the ruling highlighted by the parties are the recognition of the rights of aspirants who lose party primaries to defect to another party and still emerge as valid candidates through substitution processes.

The parties also referenced the court’s nullification of the 21 day party membership register requirement, the exemption of substitution primaries from strict Electoral Act timelines, and the declaration that INEC cannot unilaterally fix or shorten timelines for internal party activities.

“We commend the Federal High Court for this progressive and constitution aligned judgment,” Ameh said.

“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.”

Ameh further disclosed that no fewer than 14 political parties had agreed to extend their internal election timetables to accommodate fresh defectors and allow for a broader nomination process following the court decision.

The coalition maintained that the ruling reinforces party autonomy and protects the constitutional rights of political aspirants and candidates.

It also urged INEC to engage political parties constructively in implementing a revised timetable that reflects the judgment of the court.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in 2027, pledging to continue pursuing democratic principles through lawful and constitutional means.