INEC appeals judgement voiding its 2027 election timelines 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgement that nullified its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.

INEC, through its counsel, Alex Izinyon (SAN), filed a notice of appeal dated May 25 alongside a motion for stay of execution of the judgement pending the determination of the appeal.

Justice Umar had ruled that INEC lacked the statutory authority to prescribe restrictive timelines for political parties to conduct primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 polls.

The judgement followed a suit filed by the Youth Party, which argued that the revised timetable violated provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

But the commission raised nine grounds of appeal, arguing that Justice Mohammed Umar erred in law by failing to address its objection that the suit filed by the Youth Party (YP) was hypothetical and academic in nature.

According to INEC, the lower court’s interpretation of Sections 29(1), 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026 was too narrow and inconsistent with the powers granted to the electoral body under the law.

The commission also contended that the trial court failed to properly apply Section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026 in reaching its decision.

INEC urged the appellate court to set aside the May 20 judgment delivered in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, and strike out the suit on grounds that the party lacked the locus standi to institute the action.

The electoral body is also seeking an order staying further execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.