The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties that any primary election conducted after its stipulated May 30, 2026 deadline remains invalid, unless a higher court overturns an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court on the matter.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH, stressing that political parties must continue to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to him, the commission’s position is guided by an existing Federal High Court judgment, which remains binding until it is set aside by a superior court.
Haruna explained that while INEC has already filed an appeal challenging aspects of the ruling, political parties are expected to adhere strictly to the legal framework governing party primaries pending the determination of the appeal by the Court of Appeal.
The INEC commissioner noted that any primary election conducted outside the commission’s approved timetable could face legal challenges and may not be recognised by the electoral body unless there is a contrary decision from a higher court.
The development comes amid controversies surrounding the conduct of party primaries by several political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with disputes emerging over deadlines, modes of primaries, and the validity of candidates produced through exercises conducted outside the commission’s schedule.
INEC has consistently maintained that compliance with electoral timelines is critical to ensuring a transparent, orderly, and legally compliant electoral process.
The commission’s latest warning is expected to place additional pressure on political parties currently grappling with internal disputes over the conduct and outcome of their primaries, as the legal battle over the interpretation of the Electoral Act continues before the appellate court.
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