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A group of opposition and emerging political parties under the umbrella of the Coalition of United Political Parties has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately revise its timetable for the 2027 general elections in compliance with a landmark judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The parties, led by the CUPP Acting National Chairman, Peter Ameh, described the judgment delivered by Justice M.G. Umar as a major victory for internal democracy, political inclusiveness, and constitutional order in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition said the ruling had fundamentally altered key aspects of the electoral framework governing party primaries, candidate substitution, and timelines for political party activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The political parties maintained that the judgment widened democratic participation by restoring what they described as the constitutional rights of parties and aspirants to manage their internal affairs without excessive interference from the electoral umpire.
Court Judgment Alters Key Electoral Provisions
According to the coalition, one of the most significant outcomes of the ruling is the court’s affirmation that politicians who lose primary elections in one party can defect to another political platform and still emerge as validly substituted candidates for elective positions.
The judgment also reportedly nullified the controversial 21-day requirement relating to party registers, while exempting substitution primaries from rigid timelines previously imposed under the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.
Furthermore, the court held that INEC lacks the authority to dictate specific dates for internal political party activities or arbitrarily shorten periods meant for submission and publication of candidates’ details.
Political observers say the ruling could significantly influence pre-election political negotiations, defections, and strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 polls, especially as parties reposition to strengthen their chances in presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly contests.
CUPP Warns Againsat Appeal
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ameh urged INEC to obey the judgment without delay and avoid any attempt to challenge the ruling at the appellate courts, warning that such a move could trigger uncertainty within the political system.
“We commend the Federal High Court for this progressive and constitution-aligned judgment,” Ameh stated.
“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.”
The CUPP leader argued that the judgment reinforces democratic norms by protecting the rights of aspirants and guaranteeing greater flexibility for political parties in conducting their affairs.
Fourteen Parties to Extend Timetables
In what appears to be an immediate consequence of the judgment, Ameh disclosed that no fewer than 14 political parties had already resolved to extend their internal election schedules to accommodate prospective defectors and new aspirants expected to emerge in the coming months.
The development is expected to intensify political realignments across the country, particularly among politicians dissatisfied with the outcomes of party congresses and primaries within the dominant political parties.
Analysts believe the judgment may also encourage increased coalition-building and tactical defections as politicians seek alternative platforms to actualize their ambitions before the 2027 elections.
The coalition said the extension of party schedules would ensure a more inclusive nomination process and create opportunities for broader participation by aspirants who may have previously been constrained by rigid timelines.
Concerns Over Electoral Stability
The ruling has already generated intense debate among legal experts, political stakeholders, and civil society groups over its likely implications for electoral stability and party discipline.
While supporters of the judgment insist it strengthens constitutional democracy and political freedom, critics fear that relaxed substitution timelines and expanded opportunities for defections could fuel opportunistic political movements and weaken party ideology.
Nevertheless, the CUPP and allied political parties insisted that the judgment represents a necessary correction to what they described as overreach by the electoral commission into the internal affairs of political parties.
They called on INEC to work collaboratively with political parties in developing a revised timetable that reflects the court’s directives while preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
2027 Political Activities Expected to Intensify
The latest development comes amid increasing political activity across Nigeria as parties prepare for what is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested electoral cycles since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Already, political consultations, coalition talks, and strategic alignments have intensified among major stakeholders seeking to strengthen their positions ahead of the elections.
Observers note that the Federal High Court judgment could become a defining factor in shaping the dynamics of candidate emergence, inter-party negotiations, and political defections in the months leading to the polls.
Despite the controversy surrounding the ruling, the political parties reaffirmed their commitment to democratic principles, peaceful political engagement, and credible elections.
The coalition stressed that it would continue to defend constitutional democracy and the rights of political actors through lawful and legitimate means as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
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