Politics
Abuja Court Nullifies INEC’s Election Timetable, Opens Door for Defections
By Isa Abdul, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja’s nullification of portions of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has drastically altered the hitherto rigid prescriptions that made it impossible to move to another party once an aspirant failed to get nominated to stand for election in their original party.
While deciding on Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, Justice M.G Umar held that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers by imposing restrictive timelines on political parties for the conduct of primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the originating summons dated and filed March 11, by its counsel, J. O. Olotu, on behalf of the plaintiff sought six reliefs and the judge granted all the plaintiff’s reliefs.
What the judge said
The judge held that INEC cannot lawfully abridge or limit the statutory periods provided under the Electoral Act in relation to submission of personal particulars of candidates, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, among others.
Consequently, he set aside the portions of INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, which imposed timelines inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.
“It is hereby ordered as follows:
“A declaration is hereby made that upon a proper consideration and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the powers of the defendant to receive notice of party primaries and the personal particulars of candidates, and its duty to attend, observe and monitor such primaries, does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections for the purpose of nominating candidates for the 2027 general elections.
“A declaration is made that having regards to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter time frame in its 2027 election timetable.
“A declaration is made that having regards to Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026 which permits political parties to withdraw and substitute candidates not later than 90 days to the conduct of an election, the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by fixing earlier deadline for the withdrawal and replacement of candidates in its 2027 election timetable.
“A declaration is made that in regards to Section 32 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant 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.
“A declaration is made that upon a proper construction of Section 98 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant does not possess the statutory power or authority to fix in its timetable for the 2027 general elections for campaign to end two days before the elections.
“A declaration is made that upon proper interpretation to Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the time frame prescribed by the defendant for submission of membership registers for the conduct of primary elections is NOT applicable to primary elections conducted for the purpose of replacing withdrawn candidates.
“Order is hereby granted setting aside or nullifying the time-frames imposed by the defendant in its Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for 2027 General Election for the conduct of primary elections by political parties for the 2027 general elections,” the court held.
The court also ruled that the submission of personal particulars of candidates by their political parties for the 2027 general elections and campaigning for the 2027 general elections are inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Many reactions have since trailed the ruling. For instance, the Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Wilfred Olisama, in his reaction to the press said: “I think what the people challenged was that a candidate who probably was not successful in the primaries in his own party can switch to another party and contest, especially when parties have submitted names of their members.”
Olisama added that: “It is not an issue of INEC in the first place. I think they should be challenging the law, certainly not INEC.”
On whether the commission’s timelines contradicted the Electoral Act, Olisama argued that the commission was empowered to create operational timelines within the limits of the law.
“There is always this window or buffer so that even when parties are doing things, they can have some level of cushion to do adjustments before deadlines.”
He explained further that statutory deadlines in the Electoral Act represented the latest possible dates, but did not stop the commission from setting earlier timelines to enable smooth electoral preparations. He pointed out that: “It doesn’t mean because the law says this, that is exactly when parties should do what they want to do. That is where the commission comes in with rules on how those timeframes should be used.”
Drawing an analogy with voter registration, the INEC official noted that although the law provides deadlines for publication of the voter register, the commission usually closes registration earlier to allow time for integration and processing before the statutory deadline.
“So I think the commission will look at the operational ability of it for them to streamline,” adding however that he would be in a better position to comment after reviewing the judgement and the issues raised therein.
In his reaction to the judgement, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a former Presidential candidate said: “I have consistently argued that INEC must act within the confines of the Electoral Act. Unfortunately, those warnings were not heeded. This judgment has now vindicated that position.”
Hashim added that the ruling was timely and necessary. “I commend Justice M.G. Umar for his courage and fidelity to justice. This is a sound judgment that reinforces the supremacy of the law and restores confidence in our democratic institutions.”
In its reaction, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) called on Nigerians to join the party to wrestle Nigeria from bad governance. The National Publicity Secretary of PRP, Muhammed Bello Ishaq, in a statement said, “Our party is studying the judgment very carefully. On the face of it, it promotes the growth and development of our democratic culture by restoring critical responsibilities to political parties, which INEC had usurped. It expands the scope for decision-making within parties and removes the unhealthy regimentation of our activities.”
In their reaction through a statement released on Thursday evening, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC said, “The decision of the court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position.”
The party expressed happiness that the ruling had removed the unnecessary obstacles placed by the guidelines on politicians who wish to seek alternative platforms to contest elections..
To Yiaga Africa, the court verdict is welcome according its Executive Director, Samson Itodo. He defended the court judgement nullifying aspects of INEC’s guidelines, saying political parties should have the constitutional right to seek judicial redress where they perceive injustice in the electoral process.
He added that Yiaga Africa had consistently questioned the good in the compressed timelines introduced in the last-minute amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly.
Itodo warned that: “Whatever course the commission chooses must be guided by the imperatives of protecting the integrity, inclusiveness, and credibility of the 2027 electoral process, not administrative convenience.”
The last may not be heard about the court’s judgment especially if INEC decides to appeal.
By Bem Kurugh
The outcome of the Osun State governorship election, which returned Governor Ademola Adeleke to office, once again demonstrates a simple political truth: elections are ultimately decided by the people, not by internal party power struggles. While political parties often devote enormous energy to fighting over structures, conducting questionable primaries, imposing preferred candidates, and sidelining key stakeholders, these exercises mean very little if the electorate is unconvinced. The people remain the final arbiters of democratic contests, and no amount of political maneuvering can substitute for their collective will.
The Osun election is a reminder that political structures do not cast votes—citizens do. A politician who enjoys the confidence, goodwill, and support of the people stands a far better chance of electoral success than one who merely controls party machinery. History has shown repeatedly that candidates imposed through kangaroo primaries or backed solely by influential political interests often struggle at the polls because they lack genuine acceptance among the electorate. Democracy thrives when the people’s choice prevails, not when a few individuals attempt to determine outcomes behind closed doors.
More importantly, elections are won when leaders earn the trust of the people through visible performance and responsible governance. Citizens are more likely to reward a government that has delivered on its promises, addressed their concerns, improved public services, and remained accessible than one that spends its time pursuing political supremacy. Performance, humility, and responsiveness speak louder than endless battles for party control. When people feel the impact of good governance in their daily lives, they become the strongest campaigners for any administration.
Political actors should therefore learn the right lesson from Osun. Rather than gallivanting around in search of structures or engaging in unnecessary conflicts with stakeholders, they should invest their energy in building public confidence through credible leadership and meaningful service. Respect for internal democracy, consultation with stakeholders, and commitment to the welfare of the people will always yield better political dividends than imposition, division, and manipulation.
The victory in Osun reinforces an enduring democratic principle: power belongs to the people. Political structures may provide organization, but they cannot replace popular support. Leaders who seek electoral success should focus less on controlling party machinery and more on winning the hearts of the electorate through integrity, performance, and inclusive leadership. In the end, it is the people not political structures who determine who governs.
—Decry non- scholarship award by govt
–Condemn neglect of student hostels
By Vincent Tyosuugh
Forum of University Student Leaders in Benue State on Tuesday, expressed support for the SDP candidate in the 2027 elections, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, while decrying the rot in student hostels and neglect by the Governor Alia administration.
The students made the declaration during a solidarity visit to the Director General, Sebastine Tar. Hon Campaign Organisation, Dr. Ngutor Anyam, in Makurdi.
The student leaders who took turns to address the DG, lamented the poor state of student welfare under the current government.
To the Coordinator of “Hon Va Youth Movement 2027,” Christian Aondongu, students have been the worst hit by the policies of the present state government. In his words:
“As student leaders, we can testify that students have been neglected.
“Government has no incentives for students.
“Our hostels are bad and the toilets are not fit even for our worst enemies.”
He added that the group is planning a solidarity march in honour of Prof. Hon ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, the Chairman, National Association of University Students (NAUS), Benue State chapter, Comrade Terfa Kator, lamented the absence of government scholarship, saying:
“We are enarmored of Prof. Sebastine Hon because he has been awarding scholarships.”
To the Coordinator, National Association of Zone C Students, BSU, Comrade Ode Francis, the Alia administration is “anti-students”, adding that:
“Even the Ortom administration tagged the worst awarded scholarships.
“We searched for a candidate to support.
“We are uplifting the candidature of Prof. Hon,” he stated.
Responding, a member of the STH Campaign Organisation, Zaki Godwin Akpen, told the students to remain committed.
“You are leaders right now. If you want a better tomorrow, your ideas for real development will make a difference,” he charged the students.
In his remarks, Dr. Anyam expressed delight at the students’ decision and promised the campaign organisation’s full support.
“You have already identified Prof. Sebastine Hon as a credible leader.
“If you assist him to get into government, you are part of the history of making Benue State great.”
Recalling his university days, the DG said he enjoyed a meal for 50 kobo as an undergraduate and expressed pain over the failure of public service and the decline in the university system in Nigeria. He regretted the unpatriotic attitude of those in positions of authority, saying that:
“A Chinese firm once sought to build hostels for the Benue State University students but the plan was thwarted because management of the university at the time was more interested in milking the company.”
Dr. Anyam outlined key plans of the STH administration to include prioritising scholarships, industrialization, sports development and export of agricultural produce and talents.
The students ended the meeting with chants of solidarity for the SDP candidate.
Politics
“Poor Advice Cost Fubara Second Term” — Wike Blames External Forces, Rivers Crisis For Governor’s Political Setback
By Felix Umande
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the political crisis in Rivers State denied Governor Siminalayi Fubara the opportunity to seek a second term, blaming poor counsel from political associates and what he called external interests bent on hijacking the state.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during the August edition of his monthly media chat on Channels Television, while reflecting on his fractured relationship with his estranged political ally.
The former Rivers governor said he repeatedly warned Fubara not to abandon the political structure that brought him to power.
“I said, look, don’t derail. I came as governor, I had crisis. When I came as governor, there was nothing. They didn’t even relocate the Government House,” Wike said.
He recounted inheriting an administration with limited resources, adding that he had to borrow ceremonial vehicles from former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko.
“When I came, I had to borrow vehicles from the former governor of Ondo, Mimiko, these parade vehicles. Nobody kept any vehicle; I didn’t have one vehicle.
“But before I left as governor, I packed out from Government House one and a half years before. I renovated Government House. I bought vehicles for the governor, the deputy governor and the governor’s wife. I did that,” he said.
Wike said he expected Fubara to build on that foundation.
“Somebody had laid a foundation. Look, this is where I stopped. If you continue this way, our dream is to be able to compete with Lagos. What is wrong with that?” he asked.
The FCT Minister alleged that individuals who initially opposed Fubara’s emergence later became his close allies and encouraged confrontation.
“Somebody comes, and that’s why you have to be careful. Those who didn’t want you to be governor now became your friends. Obviously, they will destroy you, thinking that coming closer to you is to fight us.
“At the end of the fight, I have not lost anything. What have I lost? Nothing. But you have lost. Your intention was to go for a second term, is it not correct? And you are not going,” Wike said.
He further alleged that external actors saw Rivers as a “cash cow” and sought to control it for financial gain.
“There are external forces who want to hijack Rivers State. You don’t allow them to hijack Rivers State. There are those who see Rivers State as a cash cow.
“I can tell you so many things happened. There are people, even some Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who you would never believe can play that kind of role, who were virtually living with us in government,” he said.
According to Wike, those individuals later advised Fubara to resist his political camp.
“When this thing happened, they were so bitter that they started giving the governor wrong advice: ‘Don’t worry, the law says this, the law didn’t say this.’
“They were sending them aircraft, then they would relax in the jet. To them, they were king. So, for him to continue to be there, they would exert that kind of influence.
“We said no, this cash cow must end now. You won’t have it again. Take as much as you can, but you have to stop,” he added.
Asked if he still loved Fubara, Wike replied: “If I don’t love him, why would we support him? That’s the point I’m making.”
He disclosed that efforts were made to reconcile both camps but collapsed over political calculations.
“There was a time we all thought, we all agreed, and said, ‘Look, can we allow bygones to be bygones?’ But something fundamental came up in politics.
“They said, ‘Look, if you allow this now, there are those who are here who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant,’” he said.
The rift between Wike and Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, when Wike accused him of dismantling the political structure that produced him. The dispute escalated into a confrontation involving the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats by lawmakers loyal to Wike, and a six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025 that suspended the governor and legislature.
After his reinstatement, Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing gratitude to Tinubu for his intervention. He later picked APC governorship nomination forms for a second term but withdrew in May 2026, a move Wike and others linked to a peace understanding that he would not seek re-election.
In July 2026, Fubara announced his return to the political family that brought him to power, joined the Wike-led Rainbow Coalition backing Tinubu, and endorsed the coalition’s preferred governorship candidate.
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