A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to revise its timetable for the 2027 general elections, ruling that parts of the schedule conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, May 26, Justice James Omotosho held that although INEC has the constitutional authority to fix and adjust election timetables, such powers must be exercised in line with the timelines stipulated by law.
The suit was filed by the Social Democratic Party, which challenged aspects of INEC’s revised election schedule, particularly the shortened periods for political parties to submit candidate details and carry out substitutions.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that INEC cannot legally reduce the 90-day period provided under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2026 for the substitution of candidates. The court also ruled that the commission cannot shorten the 120-day timeframe granted to political parties for the submission of candidates’ names ahead of elections.
Consequently, the court nullified INEC’s deadlines of August 29 and September 16, 2026, for the submission of nomination forms for various elective offices, describing them as inconsistent with statutory provisions.
The judge further ordered INEC to amend its timetable to fully comply with the Electoral Act. However, the court affirmed that the electoral body retains the authority to request party membership registers and regulate timelines for party primaries.
INEC has since appealed the ruling and filed a motion seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.
