Former INEC Commissioner, Mike Igini, commended the judgement nullifying the commission’s revised time-table, maintaining that the regulation would not stand the test of time.
Igini, who recalled how in February he had alerted Nigerians to the National Assembly’s attempt at determining membership of political parties, expressed the hope that the country would have learnt its lessons on the need to always observe the rule of law.
He stated, “Way back in February this year, when I saw what the National Assembly tried to do with Section 77, I was very clear to the Nigerian people, I intervene in issuing a press statement that what they (National Assembly) were trying to do was wrong.
“A day after I said that of the commission in respect to abridgment of time outside the statutory provision, and somehow I knew we were going to run into trouble and that is exactly what has happened.”
According to Igini, the law is clear that submission of candidates that emerged from primaries, in line with Section 29, should not be later than 120 days to the days fixed for election.
“So, which means September this year,” he said.
The former INEC federal commissioner also recalled that the National Assembly, several years ago, had made futile efforts with respect to the rights of Nigerians to belong to any political party of their choice.
While stating that political parties were voluntary associations and there was no law prescribing when a person could decide to join or no longer be a member, Igini faulted the National Assembly on Section 77 of the Electoral Act, accusing it of attempting to violate Section 40 of the constitution.
He said, “But trying to use Section 77 to say you must submit registered list of your members within a certain period and, again, going further by the lower chamber of the National Assembly prescribing three years jail term and trying to criminalise freedom of association is most unfortunate, because political party is a voluntary organisation.
“It is governed by the principle of free entry and free exit, as propounded by Michael Porter, so what has happened today I hope we will learn from it.”
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Hails Judgement
A presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, commended the court for nullifying portions of the election timetable issued by INEC, describing the judgement as victory for the rule of law and constitutional order.
Olawepo-Hashim specifically praised Hon. Justice M. G. Umar for what he termed a courageous and principled decision that checked administrative overreach and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act, 2026.
He said he had consistently maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Olawepo-Hashim revealed that he had earlier written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, warning against actions capable of undermining the Electoral Act.
“I have consistently argued that INEC must act within the confines of the Electoral Act. Unfortunately, those warnings were not heeded. This judgement has now vindicated that position,” he stated.
He described the ruling as timely and necessary, saying it would protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen democratic governance.
He stated, “I commend Justice M.G. Umar for his courage and fidelity to justice. This is a sound judgement that reinforces the supremacy of the law and restores confidence in our democratic institutions.”
Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale and Alex Enumah
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