IPAC says INEC guidelines cannot override Constitution, hails court ruling
- IPAC hails court ruling affirming political parties' autonomy over internal primaries without INEC interference
- Judgment reinforces constitutional supremacy and supports fair participation in party processes across Nigeria
- IPAC urges INEC to enhance dialogue with political parties to prevent future electoral disputes
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has welcomed the recent Federal High Court judgment which ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot impose binding timelines on how political parties conduct their internal primaries.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the council described the ruling as a major victory for democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Source: Facebook
The statement was signed by IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins.
IPAC says Constitution remains supreme
Reacting to the judgment, IPAC argued that while INEC possesses supervisory powers over elections, its administrative guidelines must not conflict with the Constitution or existing electoral laws.
According to the council, it would amount to an abuse of authority for the electoral commission to attempt to alter constitutional provisions through guidelines.
“This judgment is a clear reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. It is an aberration for INEC to attempt to rewrite the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through administrative guidelines,” the statement read.
IPAC further stated:
“INEC guidelines can never be superior to the Constitution or the provisions of extant laws governing the electoral process.”
Ruling seen as victory for political parties
The council said the court decision restores the constitutional rights of political parties to independently manage their internal affairs without what it described as unlawful administrative interference.
It added that the ruling would help ensure fairness during party primaries by giving all qualified members equal opportunity to participate.
“This judgment therefore represents a major victory for democracy, the rule of law, political parties and indeed all citizens of Nigeria,” IPAC stated.
The organisation also maintained that the judgment would discourage conditions capable of excluding aspirants and party members from participating in internal party processes.
IPAC urges stronger consultation with political parties
IPAC called on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen consultation and engagement with political parties to avoid future disputes.
The council stressed that political parties remain central stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process and should be adequately involved in discussions affecting electoral procedures.
“Greater collaboration and dialogue would have helped prevent this avoidable error and the unnecessary legal disputes arising from it,” the statement added.
The council also reiterated its long-standing concern over what it described as attempts by INEC to compress multiple electoral activities into limited timelines before elections.
According to IPAC, such arrangements could create confusion, administrative difficulties and possible exclusion within the electoral process.
Source: Legit.ng
