The Uyo Liberation Movement has described a recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines on political party timelines as a major boost for Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group said the judgment, delivered by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reaffirmed the rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs within timelines stipulated under the Electoral Act 2026.

The court had ruled in a suit filed by the Youth Party that INEC lacked the power to shorten statutory timelines or interfere with internal party processes, including the submission of party membership registers and conduct of primaries.

Reacting to the judgment, ULM Secretary-General, Elder Prince Emmanuel Sam, described the ruling as “a restoration of political freedom and fairness in the electoral process.”

He said the judgment had created broader political space for participation, internal party democracy, and equal opportunity for aspirants across political parties ahead of the 2027 polls.

“This is a game changer and a major win for democratic participation in Nigeria,” Sam said, adding that the decision had strengthened the rights of political actors and expanded opportunities for credible representation.

He called on sons and daughters of Offot Ukwa Clan to take advantage of the ruling by joining political parties of their choice and obtaining nomination forms to contest elective offices.

According to him, the immediate goal is to ensure that Offot Ukwa Clan produces the next House of Assembly member for Uyo State Constituency in the 2027 elections.

The group also raised concerns over what it described as intelligence reports suggesting that some political actors were allegedly attempting to buy Permanent Voter Cards from residents for about N5,000.

ULM warned citizens not to sell or surrender their PVCs under any circumstance, saying such actions could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

It urged residents to remain vigilant, register with political parties of their choice, and actively participate in democratic processes as part of efforts to strengthen political representation in Uyo.