The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties, stating that any primary election conducted after the May 30 deadline will be considered invalid. The commission emphasized that the rules can only be altered if a higher court overturns the Federal High Court's judgment on the matter.
Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC's national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, made this known during a conversation with journalists. He reiterated that political parties must adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 until the appeal filed by INEC before the Court of Appeal is resolved.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The commission's stance stems from an ongoing legal battle over INEC's timetable for political primaries and candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier nullified aspects of the electoral guidelines and schedule set by INEC for the 2027 elections.
In response, INEC filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution of the ruling, maintaining that the timetable was issued in accordance with its statutory and constitutional responsibilities. Within 24 hours of filing the appeal, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment affirming INEC's power to issue and alter election timetables for the 2027 general elections.
Approved Timeline for Primaries
Before the court judgment, INEC had approved April 23 to May 30, 2026, for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. The commission also urged parties to comply with other timelines outlined in its revised election schedule.
ADC to Conduct Rerun Primaries
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election appeal committee in Kaduna state has directed a rerun of primaries in several federal and state constituencies. This decision followed petitions arising from the party's recently concluded primaries.
Muhammed Fagge, chairman of the committee, stated that the panel thoroughly reviewed petitions, documentary evidence, and submissions from aggrieved aspirants. The committee confirmed irregularities and fraudulent practices in some primaries, leading to the declaration of several exercises as inconclusive and ordering reruns in affected constituencies.
Labour Party Presidential Primary
In a related development, the Labour Party faction led by Nemadi Usman has announced Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. According to the party, Okereke emerged through consensus among party members and stakeholders. Additionally, Governor Alex Otti of Abia secured the Labour Party ticket as the governorship candidate for the state in 2027.
