‘Defeated candidates can switch parties,’ CUPP pressures INEC to review timetable after court verdict on party primaries

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately comply with a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated aspects of the commission’s electoral timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition said the ruling, delivered on Thursday by M.G. Umar, has reshaped the political environment ahead of the next general elections.

In a statement issued by its Acting National Chairman, Peter Ameh, the coalition urged INEC to quickly amend its timetable to reflect the court’s decision.

CUPP noted that the judgment widens the democratic space by giving political parties greater flexibility in handling their internal processes, including candidate nominations and substitutions.

According to observers, one major implication of the ruling is that aspirants who lose party primaries may now defect to another political party and still contest elections through valid substitution processes.

The court also nullified the 21-day notice requirement for party registration, exempted substitution primaries from strict Electoral Act deadlines, and ruled that INEC cannot impose fixed dates for internal party activities or arbitrarily reduce timelines for submission and publication of candidates.

Ameh described the verdict as progressive and in line with constitutional provisions.

“We commend the Federal High Court for this forward-looking and constitutionally compliant ruling. INEC must immediately comply with the judgment and revise its timetable accordingly,” he said.

He cautioned the electoral commission against appealing the judgment, warning that such a move could trigger uncertainty and weaken public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Any move to appeal this ruling will only create unnecessary confusion, erode public trust, and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections,” Ameh stated.

The CUPP leader further disclosed that at least 14 political parties had already agreed to extend their election timetables to accommodate intending defectors and allow for a more inclusive nomination process in line with the court ruling.

He added that the affected parties believe the judgment would deepen internal democracy, strengthen party independence, and protect the rights of aspirants and candidates across the country.