INEC to appeal court ruling limiting powers over 2027 electoral timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to appeal a Federal High Court judgment restricting its powers to regulate timelines and activities relating to the 2027 general elections, including party primaries, submission and substitution of candidates, publication of candidates’ lists and campaign periods.

Senior officials familiar with the matter told BusinessDay that the commission was already reviewing the ruling and preparing to challenge it at the Court of Appeal, although INEC has yet to make an official statement on the matter.

“The commission is currently reviewing the court order and it will take a position on it,” a source within the electoral body said in confidence. “Of course, it is expected to appeal the order.”

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Wednesday ruled that INEC lacks the constitutional and statutory powers to prescribe or alter timelines for political parties beyond what is expressly provided in the Electoral Act 2026.

Read also: INEC battles court curbs on 2027 election timetable powers

In the judgment delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, Justice M.G. Umar held that the commission’s responsibilities under Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act are limited to receiving notices of party primaries, monitoring the exercises and receiving the particulars of nominated candidates.

The court further ruled that INEC cannot abridge, extend or otherwise vary timelines already stipulated in the Electoral Act relating to party primaries, submission of candidates, substitution of candidates, publication of final candidates’ lists and campaign activities.

Justice Umar held that political parties are only required by law to submit the names and particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days before the date fixed for elections, stressing that the commission cannot impose additional deadlines outside the provisions of the law.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly regarding the scope of INEC’s regulatory authority over pre-election activities and internal party processes.

Legal and political observers say the judgment could significantly reshape electoral planning and coordination if upheld on appeal, potentially limiting the commission’s administrative flexibility in managing the election calendar and enforcing compliance timelines for political parties.