…September deadline ends May 10 ‘lockout’, gives losing APC aspirants escape route
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday voided INEC’s 2027 election timetable, striking out the May 10, 2026 deadline that barred politicians from switching parties. The ruling gives Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s National Democratic Congress four extra months to woo aggrieved APC aspirants ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Justice M.G. Umar held that INEC “cannot lawfully abridge” timelines set by the Electoral Act 2026. The Act permits parties to submit membership registers and candidate lists until September 2026. The judgment effectively dismantles INEC’s compressed schedule for primaries, substitution of candidates, and publication of the final list.
*NDC EMERGES AS DARK HORSE*
Moments after the ruling, NDC sources confirmed that Obi and Kwankwaso will fly the party’s flag in 2027.
Campaign insiders told a Reporter the September deadline allows NDC to achieve what Labour Party and NNPP failed to do in 2023 — unite Obi’s southern support base with Kwankwaso’s northern structure under one platform, while also absorbing APC defectors after the April-May primaries.
“Before, losing an APC primary was political death. The May 10 deadline locked you in,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, political scientist at the University of Abuja. “Now governors, senators, and entire local government structures can realign. INEC’s calendar no longer traps them.”
*APC STATES UNDER THREAT*
With the “May 10 Lockout” now void, these APC strongholds face the highest risk of defections to NDC:
State Why APC Is Worried About NDC Likely Flashpoints
**Kano** Kwankwaso’s home base. Ganduje loyalists vs. new entrants Reps/Senate tickets in Central & South
**Lagos** Obi’s 2023 urban surge. GAC accused of sidelining “outsiders” Alimosho, Ojo Federal Constituency tickets
**Plateau** Obi won the state in 2023. APC remains factionalised Northern/Central Senate zoning disputes
**Benue** Alia vs. Akume feud unresolved. History of parallel primaries Zones B & C Senate races
**Kaduna** Southern Kaduna backed Obi. Northern Kaduna leans Kwankwaso Sanga, Kachia Federal Constituencies
**Rivers** Legacy APC vs. Wike defectors. Appetite for third force Rivers East/West Senate seats
**Anambra/Enugu** APC’s weakest zone. Obi’s home region Entire LGA chapters could defect
*NDC’S SEPTEMBER STRATEGY*
1. *“Register Now, Decide Later”*: NDC coordinators are urging APC aspirants to join its register immediately. The ruling makes it legal even if they first contest APC primaries.
2. *“No More Godfathers”*: The party is quoting Justice Umar’s ruling to pitch itself as a platform where “delegates will not override popular will.”
3. *“Last-Minute Slots Available”*: With flexible substitution timelines, NDC says it can offer high-profile defectors Reps or Senate tickets as late as September.
*APC, INEC REACT*
A senior INEC official said the Commission will “redraw the 2027 timetable” after studying the Certified True Copy of the judgment.
A member of the APC National Working Committee, who declined to be named, admitted: “September is now the danger month. If we don’t resolve internal disputes before the April primaries, people will leave.”
Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027. Governorship polls follow on February 6, 2027.
For Obi and Kwankwaso, the court has not merely granted an extension. It has handed them a tool to fracture the APC structure. Whether that tool delivers victory in 2027 will depend on how many defectors use it.
By Chibuisi Mba,
National Coordinator
OKAY A NEW NIGERIA.
