2027 Elections: INEC Declares Primaries Held After May 30 Invalid

Added: 2026-06-07

[00:00:04]Hello, it's a pleasure to have you here.

[00:00:08]Fresh uncensity has eaged in Nigerian's political landscape after the INC declared that any party primary election conducted after its May 30th 2026 deadline remains invalid.

[00:00:24]The clarification comes amid ongoing legal battles, disputes within political parties, and growing concerns over the credibility of candidate selection processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

[00:00:39]The development has significant implications for political parties across the country, particularly those [music] still grappling with internal disagreements, appeals and rerun primary elections.

[00:00:54]With many aspirants challenging the outcomes of primaries and some parties considering fresh exercises in affected constituencies in latest position has placed political stakeholders under increased pressure to comply with the provisions of the electoral act.

[00:01:14]Speaking on the matter, INC national commissioner and the chairman of the information and voter education committee Muhammad Kudu Haruna stated that the electoral commission's deadline remains [music] binding unless a higher court overturns an earlier judgment delivered by the federal high court.

[00:01:34]According to him, political parties should continue to obey the electoral act while we awaiting the outcome of the appeal. currently before the court of appeal. Haruna explained that any primary election conducted outside the May 30th deadline would not be recognized by the commission unless the appallet court rules otherwise.

[00:02:00]He stressed that parties should be guided by the existing legal framework rather than assumptions about what future court decisions [music] may produce.

[00:02:09]The controversy stems from a legal dispute [music] involving INC and the youth party over the commission's timetable for political party primaries and candidate nominations.

[00:02:21]Earlier this year, the federal high court in Abuja delivered a judgment that questioned [music] aspect of INX timetable and electoral guidelines for the 2027 elections.

[00:02:34]Justice Muhammad Umar who precided over the matter ruled that the electoral commission lacked the authority to shorten timelines already provided under section 29 sub one of the electoral act 2026.

[00:02:50]According to the court in could not legally reduce the period granted for the submission of party membership records and candidate particulars.

[00:03:01]The judgment further held that the commission acted outside his statutory powers by attempting to abridge timelines established by the electoral arts.

[00:03:12]The ruling generated immediate reactions across the political landscape with several observers viewing it as a major legal setback for the electoral body.

[00:03:23]Not willing to accept the judgment in quickly filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution. [music] The commission argued that each timetable was issued in accordance with its constitutional mandates and responsibilities regarding the organization and supervision of elections.

[00:03:42]Before the court ruling, INC had fixed April 23 [music] to May 30th, 2026 as the official period during which political parties were expected to conduct their primaries.

[00:03:54]Parties were also directed to comply with other activities outlined [music] in the electoral timetable as preparations in testified for the 2027 elections.

[00:04:06]Interestingly, another federal high court judgment delivered shortly after what appeared to strengthen inex position. Justice James Omushaw ruled in a separate case filed by the social democratic party the SDP that the electoral commission possesses the constitutional authority to issue election schedules and timetables.

[00:04:29]While affirming INx powers, Justice Omotoshaw also emphasized that such authority must be exercised within the boundaries established by the electoral arts. His judgment highlighted the delicate balance between the commissions administrative powers and the legal limitations imposed by electoral [music] laws.

[00:04:52]As the legal battle continues, political parties are left navigating a complex situation.

[00:04:59]Many are unsure whether the proceed with rerun primaries ordered by [music] appeal committees or await further clarification from the courts. The uncensity has created fresh tension among aspirants who fear losing opportunities because technical issues relating [music] to deadlines and legal interpretations.

[00:05:20]One party already affected by the controversy is the ADC in Kaduna state.

[00:05:27]The party's primary election appeals committee [music] recently ordered rerun elections in several constituencies following complaints from agrieved aspirants.

[00:05:37]The committee chairman Dr. Muhammad Fagi explained that extensive reviews of petitions, documents, and evidence revealed irregularities [music] in some of the primary elections.

[00:05:51]According to him, the committee uncovered procedural valuations, omission of aspirants from ballot papers, and insufficient proof that voting actually occurred in some locations.

[00:06:04]As a result, reruns were ordered in several federal and state constituencies.

[00:06:10]Among the affected areas where Iara Kuba federal constituency and Kaduna South federal constituency where the committee found significant irregularities that undermined the credibility of the initial exercises.

[00:06:27]Fagi stated that rerun elections will also be conducted across multiple worlds and constituencies including Ka, Soba, Kajuru, Kudan, Macaffi, Chikon, Kagako, Igabi and several others. He insisted that the objective was to protect the integrity [music] of the party's nomination process and ensure fairness to all aspirants.

[00:06:56]The committee also addressed issues surrounding [music] consensus arrangements in the Kaduna North senatorial district. It true that any attempt to impose [music] a consensus candidate without the agreement of all parties involved would [music] be invalid.

[00:07:13]According to the committee, every asperant deserves a fair opportunity to participate [music] in the democratic process.

[00:07:22]Despite those decisions in warning raises serious questions about the statutes of rerun primaries conducted after the May 30th deadline if the electoral commission maintain [music] its position and succeed in courts. Political parties that organize fresh [music] primaries outside the approved time frame may face difficulties getting their candidates recognized.

[00:07:45]Political analysts believe the situation could trigger a wave of litigation as as affected aspirants and parties seek judicial interpretation of conflicting rulings and competing legal claims. Some fear that prolonged dispute could create confusion in the buildup to the 2027 elections and distract political parties from focusing on campaigns and voter engagement.

[00:08:10]For many observers, the dispute highlights the importance of clear electoral guidelines and strict compliance with 33 deadlines.

[00:08:21]It also underscores the growing role of the judiciary in shaping Nigeria's electoral process with the court of appeal expected to determine challenge to the federal high court judgment.

[00:08:34]Political parties are closely monitoring developments until a final decision is reached. The commission's position remains clear.

[00:08:45]Primaries conducted after May 30 risk being declared [music] invalid, potentially affecting the political ambitions of hundred of asparents across the country.

[00:08:56]As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the outcome of the legal battles could significantly influence party nominations, candidate eligibility, and the overall electoral landscape. For political parties already dealing with internal disputes and post primary controversies, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining who eventually appears on the [music] ballot.

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[00:09:32]I'm Chida Isum. Thank you for watching.

[00:09:34]Do have a beautiful day.