Former Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has defended the Supreme Court’s decision to quash the High Court’s annulment of the Kpandai parliamentary election, emphasising that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) filed its petition beyond the legally permitted timeframe.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 31, Ms Abubakar explained that adherence to procedural timelines is crucial for maintaining electoral integrity.

“The Supreme Court rightly noted that the NDC’s case was filed out of time. Courts must operate within the law, and filing deadlines cannot be ignored,” she said.

The comments follow the apex court’s 4–1 majority ruling, which overturned the High Court judgment that had annulled the 2024 Kpandai parliamentary election results and ordered a rerun.

The decision effectively confirmed Matthew Nyindam of the New Patriotic Party as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kpandai.

Ms Abubakar stressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the importance of timely action when pursuing election disputes.

“Election petitions must be brought within the periods stipulated by law. Missing those deadlines undermines the rule of law and delays resolution,” she added.

The NDC has indicated its intention to explore a review of the Supreme Court’s ruling, a rare but constitutionally permitted process.