Author: Gist Correspondent

The African Democratic Congress has predicted a wave of defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The court, sitting in Abuja, ruled that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose restrictive timelines on political parties outside the provisions already contained in the Electoral Act 2026, particularly in relation to party primaries and other pre-election activities.

Reacting to the judgment, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the verdict confirmed the party’s earlier objections to some of INEC’s guidelines, especially deadlines relating to membership registration and party primaries.

According to the ADC, the court decision effectively removes barriers that could have stopped politicians from switching political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

The opposition party further alleged that the now-invalidated guidelines were aimed at discouraging defections from the APC as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the polls.

“We are sure that, in the coming days, we will witness a mass exodus from the ruling party,” Abdullahi said while reacting to the judgment.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was filed by the Youth Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission. Delivering judgment, Justice Mohammed Umar held that the electoral body could not shorten statutory timelines already guaranteed under the Electoral Act.

Political analysts believe the ruling could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections and intensify ongoing coalition discussions among opposition parties.