File Copy: A former presidential candidate and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim
A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, on Thursday applauded the Federal High Court in Abuja for nullifying portions of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
Olawepo-Hashim particularly commended M. G. Umar for what he termed a courageous decision that checked administrative overreach and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Federal High Court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, reportedly held that the electoral commission acted beyond its statutory powers by imposing restrictive timelines on political parties for the conduct of primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the verdict in a statement made available to The PUNCH, Olawepo-Hashim said he had consistently maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the provisions of the law.
