INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) V. NEW NIGERIA PEOPLES' PARTY (NNPP)

JAMES GAMBO ABUNDAGA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2195/2022 delivered on 10th January, 2023 by Hon. Justice J. K. Omotosho. 

As part of its preparation for the 2023 general election, the Appellant released the timetable and schedule of activities which includes timelines for the conduct of Primary elections by registered political parties. The timetable and schedule of activities which was released on 26th February, 2022 was issued to all political parties inclusive of the Respondent. The Respondent conducted its primary election and submitted the names of its candidates in various elective positions to the Appellant. Thereafter, some of the candidates whose names had already been submitted by the Respondent to the Appellant voluntarily and willingly withdrew their candidature, and also allegedly tendered their letters of resignation as members of the political party.…