The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and other major political parties have welcomed the landmark judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice M.G. Umar on Thursday, which has reshaped the electoral process for the 2027 general elections.

In a unanimous position, the parties urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately comply with the court ruling by adjusting its revised timetable to align with the judgment. The court’s pronouncements have expanded the democratic space by granting political parties greater flexibility in their internal affairs.

Key elements of the judgment include the right of politicians who lost primary elections to defect to another party and still be validly substituted as candidates, the nullification of the 21-day party register requirement, the exemption of substitution primaries from strict Electoral Act timelines, and the affirmation that INEC cannot dictate specific dates for internal party activities or unilaterally shorten submission and publication windows.

“We commend the Federal High Court for this progressive and constitution-aligned judgment,” said Chief Peter Ameh, Acting National Chairman of the CUPP. “INEC must immediately obey this ruling and adjust its timetable accordingly. Any decision to appeal this judgment will only create unnecessary uncertainty, erode public confidence, and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.”

Chief Ameh further disclosed that 14 political parties have resolved to announce extended party election timetables to accommodate new decampees and ensure a more inclusive nomination process in line with the court’s decision.

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

They called on INEC to work collaboratively with political parties to implement a revised, realistic timetable that reflects the Federal High Court’s clear directives.

Political parties remain committed to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027 and will continue to defend democratic principles through lawful means.