A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified key aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, in a judgment that could reopen opportunities for politicians dissatisfied with the outcomes of recent party primaries.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that several deadlines fixed by INEC for the conduct of party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, as well as campaign timelines, were inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The suit, filed by the Youth Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission, challenged the legality of the electoral body’s timetable for the 2027 polls.
According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2016, the plaintiff argued that INEC exceeded its statutory powers by prescribing timelines that effectively shortened periods already provided for under the Electoral Act.
Justice Umar agreed with the argument, holding that Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act permits political parties to submit the particulars of their candidates up to 120 days before an election, adding that INEC had no authority to reduce that period through its timetable.
The court also ruled that under Section 31 of the Act, political parties are legally allowed to withdraw or replace candidates up to 90 days before an election, and that the commission could not lawfully impose earlier deadlines.
In addition, the judge held that INEC lacked the power under Section 32 of the Electoral Act to publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60-day period stipulated by law.
Justice Umar further declared that the commission could not lawfully fix campaign deadlines ending two days before elections, stating that such provisions were not supported by Section 98 of the Electoral Act.
The court equally held that the requirement for political parties to submit membership registers ahead of primaries does not apply in cases where primaries are conducted to replace withdrawn candidates.
Consequently, the court set aside all aspects of INEC’s revised timetable found to be inconsistent with the Electoral Act, including deadlines relating to party primaries, submission of candidates’ details, candidate substitution, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign activities.
Under the disputed timetable, the country’s 18 registered political parties were directed to submit membership registers by May 10 and conclude primaries, withdrawals, and candidate replacements before the end of May.
Although political parties have largely complied with the schedule and many have already commenced primaries, the process—particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress—has generated protests in several states over allegations of imposed candidates and irregularities.
