23/05/2026
YOUNG PROGRESSIVES PARTY
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA
23RD MAY 2026
PRESS RELEASE
YPP SUPPORTS COURT JUDGMENT AGAINST INEC’S ILLEGAL ABRIDGEMENT OF ELECTORAL TIMELINE
The Young Progressives Party welcomes and fully supports the recent judgment of the Federal High Court declaring the abridgement of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission as inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While it is important to clearly state that the Young Progressives Party was not the political party that instituted the legal action, contrary to erroneous insinuations in some quarters, we however strongly support the courage and patriotism behind the move as the judgment serves the collective interest of all political parties committed to democratic principles, constitutional order and credible elections.
The decision of the court has once again reaffirmed that no institution or authority, regardless of its status, can operate above the law or exercise powers outside the framework clearly established by the Constitution and the Electoral Act. Any attempt to arbitrarily abridge the electoral timetable in a manner that infringes on the statutory rights of political parties to conduct valid primaries, submit candidates and make lawful substitutions constitutes a direct assault on democracy and a dangerous precedent capable of undermining Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
The Young Progressives Party therefore rejects any attempt by individuals or groups to discredit, undermine or politicize this judgment. Such actions only expose the desperation of those who seek to manipulate electoral laws and democratic institutions for selfish and parochial interests.
It is unfortunate that the ruling All Progressives Congress has consistently demonstrated a pattern of attempting to distort democratic processes and weaponize state institutions against opposition political parties in order to perpetuate itself in power. These anti-democratic tendencies are driven by individuals who mistakenly believe political power belongs permanently to them, even at the expense of the Nigerian people and the sanctity of the electoral process.
This judgment is therefore not merely a legal victory for political parties, it is a victory for democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law and the Nigerian people. It will help restore public confidence in the electoral process and serve as a strong deterrent to enemies of democracy masquerading as democrats whose only objective is to suppress the will of the people through manipulative interpretations and distortion of electoral laws.
The reality remains that no government that has genuinely performed well for its citizens should fear transparent, credible and fair elections. Attempts to strangulate opposition parties through administrative manipulations and unconstitutional actions only confirm the absence of confidence in their own performance and popularity among Nigerians.
Signed:
Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins
National Publicity Secretary
[email protected]
