Inter-Party Advisory Council and African Democratic Congress have applauded the Federal High Court judgment nullifying key aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the decision as a victory for constitutional democracy, political participation and the rule of law.
The commendations followed Wednesday’s judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that INEC lacked the powers to abridge timelines expressly provided for in the Electoral Act, 2026.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was instituted by the Youth Party, challenging portions of INEC’s revised election timetable relating to party primaries, nomination of candidates, withdrawals and substitutions, publication of final candidates’ lists and campaign periods.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice M.G. Umar ruled that the electoral commission exceeded its statutory powers by shortening timelines prescribed under the Electoral Act through administrative guidelines.
The court held that while INEC possesses the authority to issue regulations and guidelines for elections, such powers must be exercised within the limits of existing laws and cannot override provisions of the Electoral Act.
Reacting to the verdict on Friday, IPAC described the judgment as a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy and a safeguard against arbitrary administrative actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
In a statement issued in Abuja and obtained by Saturday PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Egbeola Martins, said the ruling underscored the principle that electoral guidelines cannot supersede constitutional and statutory provisions.
“The judgment is a clear reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. It is an aberration for INEC to attempt to rewrite the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through administrative guidelines.
“INEC guidelines can never be superior to the Constitution or the provisions of extant laws governing the electoral process. While no one is questioning the powers of the commission to issue guidelines for the conduct of elections, such guidelines must operate strictly within the confines of the law.
“This judgment therefore represents a major victory for democracy, the rule of law, political parties and indeed all citizens of Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the electoral commission to strengthen consultation and engagement with political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that parties remain critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Martins added that the judgment would help prevent exclusionary practices capable of disenfranchising aspirants and limiting political participation.
Similarly, the African Democratic Congress welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a validation of concerns previously raised by the party regarding aspects of INEC’s revised timetable.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had consistently objected to timelines imposed by the electoral body for party primaries and membership registration, arguing that some provisions conflicted with constitutional and statutory requirements.
“The decision of the court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, the judgment would broaden democratic participation and strengthen the rights of politicians seeking alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC particularly welcomed the aspect of the ruling that invalidated restrictions it claimed could impede politicians from defecting to other parties and contesting elections.
“We believed at the time that that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC.
“Now that the court has ruled against it, we are sure that, in the coming days, we will witness a mass exodus from the ruling party,” the party stated.
The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly concerning the scheduling of party primaries, candidate nominations and political realignments.
INEC has yet to publicly indicate whether it will appeal the ruling or amend its election timetable in line with the court’s decision as of the time of filing this report.
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