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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned political parties that any primary election conducted outside the commission’s May 30 deadline remains invalid, unless a higher court overturns an earlier Federal High Court judgment on the matter.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, made the disclosure in a chat with The Punch.

He advised that political parties would have to continue to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 pending the determination of the commission’s appeal before the Court of Appeal.

Haruna stated: “Obviously, for now, any primary held outside INEC’s May 30 deadline will be invalid unless the Court of Appeal overturns the Federal High Court judgment in INEC’s appeal against the ruling that the timetable breached the Electoral Act 2026 in some of its provisions.

“In other words, for now, the political parties are better advised to be guided by the existing Act.”

The INEC commissioner’s position follows the ongoing legal dispute over the commission’s timetable for party primaries and candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 general election.

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, in a judgment, had nullified aspects of INEC’s electoral guidelines and schedule put in place for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Umar, delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, held that the commission could not lawfully shorten the timelines provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

The court also held that INEC could not abridge timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026, noting that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers under the Electoral Act 2026.

process would be invalid unless it had the consent of all parties involved.

Fagge stressed that no aspirant should be denied a fair opportunity due to procedural lapses or electoral irregularities.

Haruna’s latest clarification on the INEC deadline, however, suggested that, pending the outcome of the appeal, political parties risk having any primary election conducted outside the May 30 deadline.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned political parties that any primary election conducted outside the commission’s May 30 deadline remains invalid, unless a higher court overturns an earlier Federal High Court judgment on the matter.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, made the disclosure in a chat with The Punch.

He advised that political parties would have to continue to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 pending the determination of the commission’s appeal before the Court of Appeal.

Haruna stated: “Obviously, for now, any primary held outside INEC’s May 30 deadline will be invalid unless the Court of Appeal overturns the Federal High Court judgment in INEC’s appeal against the ruling that the timetable breached the Electoral Act 2026 in some of its provisions.

“In other words, for now, the political parties are better advised to be guided by the existing Act.”

The INEC commissioner’s position follows the ongoing legal dispute over the commission’s timetable for party primaries and candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 general election.

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, in a judgment, had nullified aspects of INEC’s electoral guidelines and schedule put in place for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Umar, delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, held that the commission could not lawfully shorten the timelines provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

The court also held that INEC could not abridge timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026, noting that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers under the Electoral Act 2026.

process would be invalid unless it had the consent of all parties involved.

Fagge stressed that no aspirant should be denied a fair opportunity due to procedural lapses or electoral irregularities.

Haruna’s latest clarification on the INEC deadline, however, suggested that, pending the outcome of the appeal, political parties risk having any primary election conducted outside the May 30 deadline.

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The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight clerics before a court over allegations of fraudulent religious activities and violations of the state’s Homeland Security Law of 2025, marking a significant step in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s campaign against what he describes as spiritual deception in the state.

The accused persons were brought before the court on Thursday following a crackdown launched by the state government against individuals allegedly involved in exploiting citizens through false religious claims and deceptive practices.

The prosecution is being led by the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, according to reports.

Those arraigned include Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.

The court proceedings follow a series of investigations and enforcement actions initiated by the administration of Chukwuma Soludo, who has repeatedly expressed concern over the activities of individuals allegedly using religion as a tool to defraud members of the public.

Speaking recently in Awka, the governor disclosed that some of the suspects had already been taken into custody and were cooperating with investigators. He claimed that preliminary findings and confessions had provided useful insights into the operations of the alleged religious fraud network.

Soludo accused the suspects of promoting what he termed “salvation without the cross,” a phrase he used to describe teachings and practices that allegedly promise instant prosperity and miracles while taking advantage of vulnerable people seeking solutions to personal and economic challenges.

According to the governor, the prosecution forms part of his administration’s broader effort to build a “New Anambra” anchored on integrity, accountability, and social responsibility. He argued that tackling fraudulent religious activities is essential to protecting citizens and strengthening the moral foundation of society.

The governor also called on religious and political leaders to demonstrate courage and commitment to genuine societal transformation. He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved when leaders prioritize honesty, hard work, and ethical values over the pursuit of quick wealth and personal gain.

The case is expected to test the implementation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law and could set a precedent for future actions against individuals accused of using religion as a cover for criminal activities in the state.

The court is expected to continue hearing the matter in the coming weeks.