Adesanya-Davies Hails Court Judgment Nullifying INEC’s Revised 2027 Election Timetable

Former presidential candidate and member of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has commended the Federal High Court judgment which nullified key aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Prof. Adesanya-Davies described the ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar as a major victory for democracy, constitutionalism, internal party democracy, and the rule of law.

She stated that the judgment reaffirmed that no institution, including Independent National Electoral Commission, is above the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to her, the court’s decision has restored confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process by ensuring that electoral activities are guided by fairness and legality rather than arbitrary administrative directives.

“This courageous judgment by the Federal High Court has restored hope in Nigeria’s democratic process. The judiciary has once again demonstrated that democracy must be governed by law and fairness, not arbitrary directives. INEC must immediately obey the judgment and adjust its illegal timetable accordingly,” she said.

Prof. Adesanya-Davies noted that the ruling widened democratic participation by affirming the constitutional rights of political parties and aspirants. She added that the judgment strengthens party autonomy, protects political inclusion, and curbs administrative overreach capable of undermining credible elections.

She highlighted aspects of the ruling which affirmed that politicians who lose primary elections retain the constitutional right to defect to another political party and still participate lawfully in the electoral process.

The former presidential candidate also said the court held that INEC lacks unilateral authority to dictate internal party schedules outside constitutional provisions, while describing the controversial 21-day party register requirement as inconsistent with democratic freedoms.

She further maintained that substitution primaries and nomination processes should not be subjected to unrealistic and oppressive deadlines.

Adesanya-Davies warned that failure by INEC to fully comply with the judgment could lead to constitutional crises, political tension, and fresh litigation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She called on political stakeholders, civil society groups, religious leaders, youth organisations, and the international community to support electoral reforms capable of guaranteeing free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s democracy can only survive where justice prevails over impunity. Electoral integrity demands fairness to all political parties, regardless of size or influence. This judgment is not merely about timelines; it is about protecting democratic freedoms and preventing electoral manipulation,” she added.

The academic and political figure also praised the leadership of the Coalition of United Political Parties under Chief Peter Ameh for defending democratic principles through constitutional means.

She urged INEC to work closely with political parties in restructuring a lawful and realistic electoral timetable in line with the directives of the Federal High Court and the aspirations of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 polls.

Prof. Adesanya-Davies concluded by calling for peace, national unity, and responsible political engagement as preparations intensify for the next general elections.