The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified key deadlines fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission for political party primaries and candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 general election, ruling that the timelines violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the judgment, held that INEC lacked the statutory powers to shorten timelines already provided under the Electoral Act for the conduct of party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal or substitution of candidates and publication of final candidate lists.
The court also set aside INEC’s May 10 deadline that directed political parties to submit their membership registers and databases as part of the requirements for participation in the 2027 elections.
The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party seeking an interpretation of Sections 29, 31, 32, 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The party argued that INEC exceeded its legal authority by imposing timelines inconsistent with provisions of the law governing elections in Nigeria.
Justice Umar agreed with the plaintiff, declaring that INEC cannot legally abridge the 120-day period provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act for political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates before an election.
The court further ruled that the electoral body also lacks the authority to shorten the statutory 90-day period allowed for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
According to the judgment, Section 32 of the Electoral Act 2026 clearly stipulates that INEC cannot publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60-day period prescribed by law.
Justice Umar also faulted INEC’s directive requiring campaigns to end two days before elections, saying the Commission lacked the legal powers to impose such restrictions outside the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The ruling is expected to significantly affect preparations for the 2027 general elections, especially for political parties already struggling to comply with INEC’s revised timetable.
Observers say the judgment could force the electoral commission to review its entire election schedule to align with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The court subsequently issued an order nullifying all aspects of INEC’s revised timetable that were found to be inconsistent with the Electoral Act.
