A Federal High Court in Abuja nullifies key parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, affects the timelines INEC issued for political parties’ primaries and the nomination of candidates. The court holds that INEC exceeds its legal powers by shortening or prescribing timeframes that the Electoral Act, 2026 already provides.
Political parties and inter-party groups respond positively to the decision. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) hails the judgment as a boost for constitutional order and democracy. Several parties describe the outcome as a major relief after months of complaints about INEC’s election timetable.
Other stakeholders also raise concerns. The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) criticises INEC’s subsequent move to appeal the judgment, arguing that the appeal could further affect public confidence in the electoral body.
Separately, INEC seeks redress at the Court of Appeal, asking to set aside the Federal High Court decision that voids the disputed timetable provisions.
