Abuja: The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with a Federal High Court ruling that voided certain provisions of its 2027 election timetable.
The opposition coalition said the judgment reinforces the principle that INEC must operate strictly within the provisions of the Electoral Act. The CUPP said the ruling would reshape preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Acting National Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, issued the position in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Ameh, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered a judgment strengthening political parties’ rights and internal democratic processes.
He said major political parties unanimously urged INEC to comply immediately with the court’s directives by revising its timetable.
Ameh stated that the judgment would allow political parties greater flexibility in conducting their internal electoral processes, thereby enhancing democratic participation and giving them greater control.
“The court’s pronouncements have expanded the democratic space by granting political parties greater flexibility in their internal affairs,” he said.
He explained that the ruling would allow politicians who lost primary elections to switch parties and still be nominated as candidates, increasing opportunities for political participation.
Ameh added that the court also invalidated the rule requiring parties to submit a register of members 21 days before their primaries, making it easier for new members to participate.
He further stated that the judgment exempts substitution primaries from strict Electoral Act timelines governing candidate replacement procedures.
The court said INEC cannot set dates for internal party activities or cut submission and publication periods arbitrarily.
Ameh said: “We commend the Federal High Court for this constitution-aligned judgment.”
“INEC must immediately obey this ruling and adjust its timetable accordingly.”
He warned that any appeal could create uncertainty and weaken public confidence before 2027.
“Any decision to appeal this judgment will only create unnecessary uncertainty, erode public confidence, and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He said 14 parties would announce extended primary election timetables for new defectors and broader participation.
Ameh said parties believe the judgment will strengthen internal democracy and protect the rights of aspirants and candidates.
He said the parties asked INEC to cooperate in implementing a revised, realistic electoral timetable.
The CUPP chairman stressed that parties are committed to free, fair, credible 2027 elections.
“Political parties remain committed to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027 and will continue to defend democratic principles through lawful means,” Ameh said.