Political parties are becoming worried after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) insisted that its May 30 deadline for party primaries remains valid despite a Federal High Court judgment challenging parts of its election timetable.
INEC warned that any primary election conducted after May 30 could be declared invalid unless the Court of Appeal overturns the lower court’s decision. The commission has already appealed the judgment.
Because of this uncertainty, some parties are rushing to complete their internal processes to avoid risking the disqualification of their candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC Faces Fresh Problems
Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State are concerned after the party ordered reruns of some primaries due to alleged irregularities. However, these reruns may now clash with INEC’s deadline.
Political observers say parties conducting fresh primaries after May 30 could face legal battles over the legitimacy of their candidates.
The ADC is also dealing with leadership disputes and disagreements over its presidential candidate. While a faction led by former Senate President David Mark produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, another faction led by Abdulkadir Mohammed Bashir has endorsed Dumebi Kachikwu for the same position.
Although Atiku has called for unity, unresolved disputes and factional rivalry continue to threaten the party’s stability ahead of 2027.
Court Delays Deregistration Case
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely postponed judgment in a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the ADC, Accord Party and Action Alliance.
The delay followed a Court of Appeal order staying proceedings in the case.
The lawsuit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, argues that some parties failed to meet constitutional requirements regarding electoral performance and should therefore be deregistered.
NDC Members Complain About Primaries
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is also facing internal disagreements following its primaries.
Former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, who left the APC for the NDC, claimed he was unfairly denied the party’s Edo South senatorial ticket despite winning the primary.
He described his experience as moving “from the frying pan into the fire,” saying he had never witnessed such issues while in either the APC or PDP.
NDC Rejects Allegations
The NDC leadership denied claims of candidate imposition and irregularities.
National Publicity Secretary Osa Osadolor said the primaries were transparent and conducted according to party rules. He also dismissed claims that supporters of presidential candidate Peter Obi were being sidelined.
According to him, all groups within the party are treated equally, and a reconciliation committee has been established to address complaints from aggrieved members.
APC Warns Against Fake Candidate List
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned members and the public against a fake list of senatorial candidates circulating on social media.
APC spokesman Felix Morka said only the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) can officially announce candidates who emerge from party primaries.
Dispute Over Agege APC Primary
Some APC leaders from Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State have petitioned the party’s national leadership, alleging that results of the Agege Constituency 01 primary election were altered.
The group claimed that Egunjobi Ganiyu Kola won the primary convincingly but that another aspirant was later presented as the winner.
They have asked the APC leadership to review the results and ensure that the candidate chosen by party members is recognised.
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