A Federal High Court in Abuja has voided aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, ruling that several timelines imposed by the electoral body conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Justice Mohammad Umar, in a judgment delivered on Wednesday, held that INEC exceeded its statutory powers by introducing deadlines for party primaries, candidate submissions, withdrawals, final candidate lists, and campaign periods that were inconsistent with timelines already provided under the Electoral Act. The case was brought by the Youth Party, which challenged the legality of INEC’s revised election timetable.
The court ruled that INEC lacks the authority to determine the timeframe within which political parties conduct primary elections for nominating candidates. Justice Umar held that Sections 29, 82, and 84(1) of the Electoral Act only empower INEC to receive notices of primaries and monitor them, not dictate when parties must hold such exercises.
The court further ruled that INEC could not shorten statutory deadlines provided by law. It reaffirmed that political parties are entitled to submit candidates’ particulars up to 120 days before an election and may withdraw or replace candidates up to 90 days before polls, as stipulated in Sections 29 and 31 of the Electoral Act.
Justice Umar also declared that INEC lacked powers to publish final candidate lists earlier than the 60-day minimum period prescribed by law and could not mandate political campaigns to end two days before elections, describing such provisions as outside the commission’s statutory authority.
Reacting to the judgment, former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim described the ruling as a victory for constitutional order and the rule of law, praising the court for checking what he called administrative overreach by INEC. He said the verdict validated concerns he had previously raised about the commission operating beyond the Electoral Act.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) also welcomed the decision, saying it restores critical responsibilities to political parties and could strengthen internal democracy by giving parties greater flexibility in managing their affairs and candidate selection processes.
INEC, however, is expected to challenge the ruling. A senior commission official disclosed that the electoral body is reviewing the judgment and plans to file an appeal, insisting the commission will take an official position after completing its assessment of the court’s decision.
