The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has welcomed a Federal High Court judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adjust its election timetable.

The Coalition of United Political Parties said the ruling would significantly reshape preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The position is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Acting National Chairman, Peter Ameh.

According to Mr Ameh, Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, delivered a judgement strengthening political parties’ rights and internal democratic processes.

He said major political parties unanimously urged INEC to immediately comply with the court’s directives by revising its timetable.

Mr Ameh stated that the judgement expanded democratic participation by granting political parties greater flexibility in handling internal electoral matters.

“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 permitted politicians who lost party primaries to defect and still be validly substituted as candidates by another party.

Mr Ameh added that the court also nullified the controversial 21-day party register requirement previously imposed on political parties.

He further stated that the judgment exempted substitution primaries from strict Electoral Act timelines governing candidate replacement procedures.

According to him, the court affirmed that INEC could not dictate dates for internal party activities or arbitrarily shorten submission and publication windows.

Mr Ameh stated: “We commend the Federal High Court for this progressive and constitutionally aligned judgment.

“INEC must immediately obey this ruling and adjust its timetable accordingly.”

He warned that any appeal against the judgement could generate uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

“Any decision to appeal this judgement will only create unnecessary uncertainty, erode public confidence, and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

He disclosed that 14 political parties had agreed to announce extended primary election timetables to accommodate new defectors and ensure broader participation.

According to Mr Ameh, the parties believe the judgement would strengthen internal democracy and safeguard the rights of aspirants and candidates.

He said the parties also called on INEC to work collaboratively with political organisations in implementing a revised and realistic electoral timetable.

The CUPP chairman stressed that political parties remained committed to free, fair, and credible elections during the 2027 general elections.

“Political parties remain committed to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027 and will continue to defend democratic principles through lawful means,” Mr Ameh said. 

(NAN)