2027: INEC risks further adjustment of election timetable – NNPP 

By Sunday Ani

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) run the risk of adjusting the 2027 general elections time table if it fails to resolve issues around leaderships of political parties in accordance with Court judgments. 

In a statement in Lagos, the NNPP National Secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi stated that INEC’s persistent disobedience to court orders would likely have a negative impact on the election time table if parties decide to sue the commission.

“INEC’s disobedience to court orders is avoidable. It is disturbing that INEC, an institution led by a professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria, should disobey court orders.

“In a recent instance, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered a judgment compelling INEC, within 72 hours, to update its records and recognise the Agbo Major-led National Working Committee (NWC) of NNPP and file an affidavit of compliance.

“Three weeks after, the commission is yet to comply, without any credible explanation.

“What is evident is that time has been running against INEC from the day Justice Bello Kawu delivered the judgment. The commission was duly served by the court bailiff and proof of service is properly entered in the court record.

“It, therefore, stands to reason that INEC must accord the NNPP adequate and equal time, like other political parties, to prepare for and participate in the 2027 elections.”

He said the party would initiate contempt proceedings and would pursue justice and equity to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, if the commission failed to comply within the next seven days.

“We call the attention of the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders to urgently call INEC to order, so as to prevent any further distortion of the 2027 election timetable.

“We specifically call on the Attorney-General and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi and the president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate what is going on in INEC.

“The judiciary and the court must be seen to protect and guide its jurisdiction jealously to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts, and to ensure that lawful orders are neither ignored nor undermined.

“INEC’s present conduct may constitute a threat to democracy and we join other well-meaning Nigerians in calling it to retrace its steps.

“We also call for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission, particularly its legal department to restore credibility and safeguard the nation’s democracy,” Olaposi said.

He added that the conduct of the commission at the moment is against the spirit and letters of the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President.