The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Caucus in the House of Representatives has hailed the Federal High Court judgement in Abuja that nullified key aspects of the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, describing the development as a victory for inclusive democracy and the imperatives of freedom of association.
The NDC Caucus emphasized that INEC, as an impartial arbiter, should consistently take actions that uphold democracy and the rule of law rather than enable impunity, lawlessness, and injustice in the polity.
It commended the judiciary for its recent firm stances in restraining INEC from decisions that appear to reinforce undue influence over the nation’s democracy.
The judgment, delivered by Justice M. G. Umar, voided INEC’s recent guidelines and timetable for key pre-election activities – including the submission of membership registers by political parties and the conduct of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court asserted that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers under the Electoral Act 2026.
The Caucus, in a statement issued on Friday by its Leader, Afam Victor Ogene, urged INEC to comply with the court judgment and revise its timetable for the elections. This, it said, would help ease the palpable tension in the polity and free Nigeria’s democracy from the chokehold of manipulative and vindictive interests within the political environment.
The lawmaker further stated that adherence to the court’s decision would strengthen democratic practice and create room for broader, more inclusive participation in the forthcoming elections, in line with the principles of pluralism and the accommodation of diverse interests and aspirations.
The NDC lawmakers statement affirms further, “We therefore agree with the declarations of the court that having regards to Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the INEC does not possess the statutory power to publish the final list of candidates for the 2027 general election before the 60 days minimum period prescribed by Law.
“The declaration that upon a proper interpretation of Section 98 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the INEC does not possess the statutory authority to fix in its timetable for the 2027 general elections provision for campaigns to end two days before the elections.
“The Declaration that upon a proper interpretation of Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the time frame prescribed by the Defendant for submission of membership registers for the conduct of primary elections is NOT applicable to primary elections conducted for the purpose of replacing withdrawn candidates.”
Ogene emphasized that complying with the recent court judgment would give the 2027 elections a fresh breath of life and reinforce hope in true participatory democracy.
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