NDC Reps Ask INEC To Obey Court Ruling On 2027 Timetable

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that nullified key aspects of its timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The opposition lawmakers, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by their leader, Hon. Afam Ogene, described the ruling as a victory for inclusive democracy and freedom of association.

They urged INEC to immediately revise its election timetable in line with the court’s decision, arguing that compliance would ease political tension and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

According to the caucus, INEC must act strictly within the limits of the law and avoid decisions that could be interpreted as enabling impunity or undermining democratic fairness.

The lawmakers also commended the judiciary for what they described as firm intervention in checking electoral decisions that may affect the credibility of the democratic process.

They maintained that adherence to the judgment would promote inclusiveness and broaden participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Quoting parts of the court’s decision, the caucus referenced provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which it said restrict INEC’s powers on publication of final candidate lists, campaign timelines, and submission requirements for party membership registers.

“We therefore agree with the declarations of the court that, having regards to Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC does not possess the statutory power to publish the final list of candidates for the 2027 general election before the 60 days minimum period prescribed by law,” the statement read.

It further cited the court’s interpretation of Section 98, which it said limits INEC’s authority to fix campaign deadlines, and Section 33, which addresses submission of membership registers in cases involving replacement of withdrawn candidates.

The caucus insisted that respecting the ruling would deepen democratic practice and ensure a more transparent and competitive electoral process ahead of 2027.