Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that political party primaries conducted after the May 30, 2026 deadline remain invalid unless a higher court overturns an earlier Federal High Court ruling related to the commission’s election timetable.
Speaking on the issue, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, , urged political parties to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 while the commission’s appeal is pending before the Court of Appeal.
According to Haruna, any primary election held outside the commission’s approved timetable risks being declared invalid until the appellate court delivers its judgment.
The dispute stems from a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice nullified portions of INEC’s electoral timetable for the 2027 general election. The court held that the commission lacked the authority to shorten timelines prescribed under the Electoral Act for the submission of candidates’ particulars and party membership records.
INEC subsequently challenged the judgment, arguing that its election timetable was issued in accordance with its constitutional responsibilities and statutory powers.
Before the legal challenge, the commission had fixed April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the period during which political parties were expected to conduct primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a separate ruling, Justice affirmed that INEC possesses constitutional authority to issue and adjust election schedules. However, the judge stressed that such powers must be exercised within the limits established by the Electoral Act.
Meanwhile, the appeals committee of the (ADC) in Kaduna State ordered reruns in several constituencies following complaints and petitions arising from the party’s recently concluded primaries.
Committee chairman Dr. Muhammed Fagge said investigations uncovered procedural irregularities, omissions of qualified aspirants from ballot papers, and insufficient evidence that voting occurred in some locations.
As a result, fresh primaries were ordered in multiple federal and state constituencies across Kaduna State, including Ikara/Kubau and Kaduna South, among others.
The committee stated that the reruns were necessary to preserve the credibility of the party’s candidate selection process and ensure fairness for all aspirants.
INEC’s latest warning underscores the importance of adherence to the electoral timetable as political parties continue preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general election while awaiting the outcome of ongoing court proceedings.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: