Dare Babalola
The African Action Congress (AAC) has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment that nullified portions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the ruling as a victory for constitutional order and internal democracy.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party said the judgment delivered by Justice M. G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja reaffirmed the autonomy of political parties in conducting their internal affairs without undue interference from INEC.
The court, in a suit filed by the Youth Party, invalidated sections of INEC’s revised election timetable relating to party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, replacement of candidates, and deadlines for updating membership registers.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, challenged aspects of the electoral body’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, which was earlier released by INEC.
Delivering judgment, Justice Umar held that while INEC has the constitutional mandate to monitor party primaries and receive notifications from political parties, it does not possess the authority to impose timelines not expressly provided for under the Electoral Act, 2026.
The court further ruled that the commission exceeded its powers by shortening statutory timelines already provided by law.
Reacting to the judgment, the AAC said the decision reinforces democratic principles and strengthens the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.
According to the party, the ruling serves as a reminder that political parties are independent democratic institutions that must operate based on their constitutions and not be subjected to restrictive administrative directives from INEC.
“This ruling reinforces the supremacy of the law and constitutional order, a positive reinforcement of democratic norms and a reminder that political parties are vital institutions that must operate freely in line with their constitutions, not subject to restrictive timelines imposed on them by INEC,” the statement read.
The party also cautioned against what it described as institutional overreach, stressing its commitment to defending democratic freedoms and strengthening internal party democracy in Nigeria’s electoral process.
