Court rules against INEC’s shortened election timetable
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified several parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections. The court ruled that INEC exceeded its powers by shortening timelines set by the Electoral Act, 2026. Justice M. G. Umar delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC. The ruling means INEC will need to review its schedule to comply with the law.
Key takeaways
- The court found that INEC’s revised timetable unlawfully shortened statutory periods for party primaries, candidate submissions, withdrawals, and campaign periods.
- Justice M. G. Umar emphasized that INEC cannot set deadlines earlier than those provided in the Electoral Act, 2026.
- The court declared that political parties have up to 120 days before an election to submit candidate particulars and up to 90 days to withdraw or replace candidates.
- INEC’s move to publish final candidates’ lists earlier than the law allows was also ruled unlawful.
- The affected portions of INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections were set aside, with the court stating they were inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.
