The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has strongly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to a recent Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja. This landmark ruling effectively nullified several crucial aspects of INEC’s published timetable for the 2027 general elections. The opposition lawmakers, led by Hon. Afam Ogene, lauded the court's decision as a significant victory for inclusive democracy and the fundamental right to freedom of association.

The caucus has called upon INEC for an immediate revision of its election timetable to align with the court's mandate. They contend that prompt compliance will be instrumental in alleviating political tensions and bolstering public trust in the integrity of the electoral process. Emphasizing the necessity for INEC to operate strictly within legal parameters, the lawmakers warned against decisions that could be perceived as fostering impunity or undermining the principles of democratic fairness.

Furthermore, the NDC Caucus commended the judiciary for its decisive intervention, which they believe is vital in scrutinizing electoral decisions that could otherwise compromise the credibility of Nigeria's democratic system. They firmly asserted that strict adherence to this judgment would not only promote greater inclusiveness but also broaden participation in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

The court's decision, as highlighted by the caucus, specifically referenced provisions within the Electoral Act, 2026. These provisions were cited as restricting INEC’s statutory powers concerning the publication of final lists of candidates, the establishment of campaign timelines, and the requirements for submitting party membership registers, particularly in scenarios involving the replacement of withdrawn candidates.

Specifically, the statement from the NDC Caucus quoted the court's declaration: “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 caucus further elaborated on the court's interpretation of Section 98, which limits INEC’s authority to unilaterally set campaign deadlines, and Section 33, which dictates the process for submitting membership registers when candidate replacements occur. The lawmakers concluded by stressing that upholding this ruling is paramount for deepening democratic practices and ensuring a more transparent and genuinely competitive electoral landscape for the 2027 elections.