The African Democratic Congress has said the recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s regulations for the 2027 general elections could lead to a wave of defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The opposition party stated this on Thursday while reacting to the court ruling, which voided aspects of INEC’s guidelines concerning deadlines for party primaries and membership registration.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the judgment as a confirmation of concerns it had previously raised over what it considered restrictive provisions in the electoral guidelines.
According to the party, it had objected to certain timelines introduced by the electoral commission, arguing that some of the regulations contradicted constitutional provisions and limited political participation.
“The decision of the court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is a welcome vindication of our position,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC further argued that the judgment would strengthen political freedom by removing barriers that, in its view, discouraged politicians from joining alternative parties.
“We believed at the time that that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC. Now that the court has ruled against it, we are confident that, in the coming days, there may be a mass movement away from the ruling party,” he stated.
The party welcomed the judgment, expressing optimism that it would encourage wider democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Federal High Court had on Wednesday struck down key portions of INEC’s timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections, ruling that the commission exceeded its powers by reducing timelines provided under the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC’s earlier timetable had directed political parties to conduct primaries within a shortened period before the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for February and March 2027.
The commission had also fixed deadlines for submission of candidates’ particulars, replacement of candidates, publication of final candidate lists and the close of campaigns before the timelines stipulated by law.
However, the court ruled that such deadlines conflicted with statutory provisions, maintaining that political parties retain the right to withdraw and replace candidates up to 90 days before an election.
The court further held that INEC lacked the authority to impose an earlier deadline than what is provided in the Electoral Act.
