A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck down major provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission revised timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, ruling that the electoral commission cannot override timelines expressly provided under the country’s Electoral Act.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday by Justice M.G. Umar, the court held that INEC exceeded its statutory authority by introducing deadlines that shortened periods guaranteed by the Electoral Act 2026 for political parties and candidates.
The ruling, seen by journalists on Thursday through a certified true copy of the judgment, is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s electoral preparations, political party activities, and broader democratic governance ahead of the 2027 polls.
Court Sides With Youth Party
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was filed by the Youth Party against INEC.
The party argued that the commission’s revised election timetable unlawfully reduced statutory windows relating to party primaries, candidate submissions, withdrawals, substitutions, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign activities.
Justice Umar upheld the arguments and granted all the declaratory reliefs sought by the plaintiff.
INEC Cannot Shorten Electoral Timelines, Court Rules
The court ruled that under Sections 29, 82, and 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC’s role in monitoring party primaries and receiving notices from political parties does not include the authority to dictate or shorten the period within which parties must conduct their primaries.
The judge further declared that the commission cannot lawfully reduce the statutory 120-day period allocated for political parties to submit candidates’ personal particulars before elections.
Similarly, the court held that INEC lacks the power to abridge the legally mandated 90-day period allowed for withdrawal and substitution of candidates under Section 31 of the Electoral Act.
Justice Umar also ruled that the commission cannot publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60-day period prescribed by law.
Campaign Restrictions Also Voided
In another key aspect of the judgment, the court held that INEC has no statutory authority under Section 98 of the Electoral Act to mandate that political campaigns must end two days before election day.
The ruling additionally clarified that timelines imposed by INEC for submission of membership registers during party primaries do not apply in cases involving replacement of withdrawn candidates.
Consequently, the court nullified all aspects of the revised 2027 election timetable deemed inconsistent with the Electoral Act.
Implications for Nigeria’s Electoral Process
The decision represents a significant legal setback for Independent National Electoral Commission and could compel the electoral body to review and possibly redesign parts of its operational framework for the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say the judgment reinforces the supremacy of statutory provisions over administrative guidelines and may influence how future election schedules are structured in Africa’s largest democracy.
The ruling also comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties already positioning for primaries, alliances, and candidate selection processes in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political landscape.