CUPP Urges INEC to Immediately Revise Election Timetable in Accordance with Court Order (2027)

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with a major ruling issued by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court on Thursday, which declared INEC’s deadline for political parties invalid.

CUPP said the decision has reshaped the electoral framework for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The coalition urged INEC to immediately adjust its timetable to reflect the court’s judgment.

In a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, Acting National Chairman of CUPP, the group noted, “The court’s decisions have broadened the democratic framework by providing political parties with increased flexibility in managing their internal matters.”

The ruling includes several key provisions: it permits politicians who have lost primary elections to join another party and still be validly replaced as candidates; it annuls the 21‑day party registration requirement; it exempts substitution primaries from the strict deadlines of the Electoral Act; and it confirms that INEC cannot set specific dates for internal party activities or unilaterally shorten submission and publication periods.

Ameh said, “We commend the Federal High Court for this forward‑thinking and constitutionally aligned ruling. INEC must promptly comply with this decision and adjust its timetable accordingly.”

“Any move to appeal this ruling will only lead to unnecessary confusion, diminish public trust, and compromise the integrity of the 2027 general elections,” he added.

Chief Ameh also revealed that 14 political parties have agreed to announce extended election timetables to accommodate new defectors and ensure a more inclusive nomination process in line with the court’s ruling.

The parties emphasized that the judgment strengthens internal democracy, promotes party independence, and protects the rights of aspirants and candidates.