A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified key provisions of the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) for the 2027 general elections, ruling that the commission acted beyond its legal powers in setting timelines for political party primaries and related nomination processes.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice M. G. Umar held that several sections of INEC’s revised schedule violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The court therefore set aside critical parts of the timetable covering party primaries, submission of candidates’ details, withdrawal and substitution of nominees, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign deadlines.
The case was filed by the Youth Party, which argued that INEC had effectively imposed binding rules on internal party processes not supported by law. The court agreed, stating that while INEC has supervisory responsibility over elections, it does not have authority to determine when or how political parties conduct their internal primaries.
According to the judgment, Sections 29, 31, 32, 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026 only empower INEC to receive candidate information, monitor primaries, and enforce compliance with statutory timelines—not to shorten or redefine them through administrative guidelines.
The court specifically held that political parties are entitled to the full statutory timeframe for candidate nomination processes, including the 120-day window for submission of candidates’ particulars before an election, and the 90-day period allowed for withdrawal and substitution of candidates. It also ruled that INEC cannot lawfully publish the final list of candidates earlier than the 60-day minimum prescribed by law.
Justice Umar further faulted INEC’s campaign timetable, which required campaigns to end two days before elections, describing it as inconsistent with Section 98 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The court consequently voided all related portions of the timetable, describing them as an unlawful attempt to amend statutory provisions through administrative action.
In its originating summons, the Youth Party had asked the court to determine whether INEC could legally impose deadlines on internal party processes such as primaries, nominations, withdrawals, and campaign periods. Counsel for the party, J. O. Olotu, argued that the commission exceeded its mandate, while INEC’s lawyer, Sarafa Yusuf, defended the timetable as necessary for electoral coordination.
The ruling is expected to force the electoral body to review its preparations for the 2027 elections and redraw its election schedule.
The judgment also clarified that INEC’s supervisory role over elections does not extend to controlling internal party democracy, reinforcing the autonomy of political parties in candidate selection within the limits of the law.
