The Uyo Liberation Movement (ULM) has described the recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s election timetable guidelines as a major development capable of reshaping political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group said the ruling has expanded democratic space for political aspirants and strengthened the rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs within the framework of the Electoral Act.
Court Ruling Details
The judgment, delivered by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by the Youth Party, held that INEC lacked the power to abridge timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026. The court ruled that political parties retain the statutory authority to conduct their internal processes within legally prescribed timelines and invalidated INEC’s directive requiring submission of party membership registers by May 10. According to the judgment, political parties now have until September 2026 to update and submit their membership registers. The court also set aside provisions restricting timelines for substitution of candidates and party primaries, affirming that aspirants who lose party primaries may still be substituted through lawful internal party mechanisms.
ULM's Reaction
Reacting to the ruling, ULM Secretary-General, Elder Prince Emmanuel Sam, described the verdict as a restoration of political fairness and democratic participation. He said the judgment has created wider opportunities for political actors across different parties to participate more actively in the 2027 electoral process. “This judgment is a game-changer. It has restored political freedom, strengthened internal party democracy and created broader political space for participation ahead of 2027,” he said.
Call for Mobilisation
Sam called on sons and daughters of the Offot Ukwa Clan to immediately take advantage of the ruling by joining political parties of their choice and obtaining nomination forms for elective positions. According to him, the group remains committed to ensuring that Offot Ukwa Clan produces the next representative for Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2027. The group maintained that the court’s decision would encourage greater political inclusion and provide credible aspirants with more opportunities to participate in party processes without arbitrary restrictions.
Concerns Over PVC Purchases
ULM also raised concerns over what it described as intelligence reports indicating alleged attempts by some political actors to purchase Permanent Voter Cards from residents ahead of the elections. The group alleged that certain individuals were reportedly offering about ₦5,000 in exchange for PVCs as part of efforts to manipulate voter strength. ULM warned residents not to surrender or sell their voter cards under any circumstances. “The people must remain vigilant. Nobody should release or sell their PVC to anyone for any reason. What some political actors are after is control and manipulation of voter strength,” the group said.
Advice to Residents
It advised residents to instead register with political parties of their choice and remain actively involved in democratic processes as part of efforts to strengthen political participation and representation in Uyo ahead of the 2027 elections.
