The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has expressed support for a Federal High Court judgement declaring the abridgement of the electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as inconsistent with the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

The party expressed its support in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Wale Martins, on Friday in Abuja.

It said that the judgement was in the interest of political parties committed to democratic principles, constitutional order, and credible elections.

The political party, however, clarified that it was not the one that instituted the legal action, contrary to claims in some quarters.

The party said that the judgment reaffirmed that no institution or authority could operate above the law or outside the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

According to the statement, any attempt to alter the electoral timetable in a way that affects the rights of political parties to conduct primaries, submit candidates’ names, and make lawful substitutions could undermine democracy and the country’s electoral process.

The party also rejected attempts by some individuals and groups to politicise or discredit the judgment.

It alleged that such actions were aimed at manipulating electoral laws and democratic institutions for selfish interests.

The party noted that credible and transparent elections remained important to sustaining public confidence in democracy.

It added that no government that had performed well should fear free and fair elections.

YPP warned that any attempt to weaken opposition parties through unconstitutional actions could affect the credibility of the electoral process. 

(NAN)