BREAKING: Court Voids Key Parts of INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable

BREAKING: Court Voids Key Parts of INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified several provisions contained in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, ruling that the electoral body lacks the legal authority to shorten timelines already guaranteed under the Electoral Act 2026.

Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the ruling while deciding a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 filed by the Youth Party against INEC over aspects of the commission’s timetable relating to party primaries, submission of candidates, replacement of candidates, campaign timelines and membership register requirements for the 2027 elections.

The suit was argued by the plaintiff’s counsel, J.O. Olotu, while Sarafa Yusuf represented INEC.

In the judgment delivered on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the court set aside several portions of INEC’s revised timetable, describing them as inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Justice Umar specifically nullified the timelines fixed by INEC for the conduct of party primaries, submission of personal particulars of candidates, withdrawal and replacement of candidates, publication of final candidate lists and campaign schedules ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the court, INEC cannot lawfully abridge statutory timelines expressly provided by the Electoral Act.

The court held that Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act allows political parties to submit the personal particulars of candidates not later than 120 days before an election and ruled that INEC lacks the authority to impose a shorter deadline through administrative guidelines.

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The judge also ruled that the commission cannot reduce the 90-day period provided under Section 31 of the Act for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

In another declaration, the court held that INEC lacks the statutory authority to publish the final list of candidates earlier than the 60-day minimum period stipulated by law.

Justice Umar further ruled that the commission does not possess powers under Section 98 of the Electoral Act to compel political campaigns to end two days before elections through its timetable.

The court also clarified that the timeframe prescribed by INEC for submission of membership registers for party primaries does not apply to primaries conducted for the purpose of replacing withdrawn candidates.

“A declaration is hereby made that upon a proper consideration and interpretation of Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the powers of the defendant to receive notice of party primaries and the personal particulars of candidates does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections,” the court ruled.

Legal analysts say the judgment could significantly affect preparations for the 2027 general elections, especially for political parties already planning their primary election schedules and candidate nomination processes.

The ruling may also compel INEC to revise parts of its election timetable to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and the court’s interpretation of the commission’s powers.

INEC had earlier fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The electoral commission has yet to officially respond to the judgment.

BREAKING: Court Voids Key Parts of INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable