YPP Backs Court Verdict Against INEC, Accuses APC Of Undermining Democracy

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has thrown its weight behind the recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying the abridgement of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and constitutional order.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale Martins, the YPP clarified that it was not the political party that instituted the legal action against INEC, contrary to what it described as misleading insinuations in some quarters.

The party, however, commended those behind the suit, saying the judgment served the collective interests of political parties committed to credible elections and the rule of law.

According to the statement, the court’s decision reaffirmed that no institution or authority could operate above the law or exercise powers outside the framework established by the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

The YPP argued that any arbitrary abridgement of the electoral timetable capable of affecting the rights of political parties to conduct primaries, submit candidates, and make lawful substitutions constituted a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral integrity.

“The judgment serves the collective interest of all political parties committed to democratic principles, constitutional order and credible elections,” the statement said.

The party also rejected what it described as attempts by individuals and groups to politicise or discredit the judgment, insisting that such reactions exposed the desperation of those allegedly seeking to manipulate electoral laws and democratic institutions for selfish interests.

The YPP further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of consistently attempting to distort democratic processes and weaponise state institutions against opposition parties in order to retain power.

“It is unfortunate that the ruling APC has consistently demonstrated a pattern of attempting to distort democratic processes and weaponize state institutions against opposition political parties in order to perpetuate itself in power,” the party stated.

The statement described the judgment as not only a legal victory for political parties but also a triumph for democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the Nigerian people.

According to the YPP, the ruling would help restore public confidence in the electoral process while serving as a deterrent against anti-democratic practices.

The party maintained that governments with genuine public support should not fear transparent and credible elections, adding that efforts to suppress opposition parties through administrative or unconstitutional means only reflected insecurity over political performance and popularity.