Court Knocks Out Key Parts of INEC’s 2027 Election Roadmap
A Federal High Court has nullified key provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, ruling that some of the deadlines fixed by the electoral body were not in line with the Electoral Act.
The court held that INEC cannot alter or shorten timelines already stipulated by law for critical electoral activities, including party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and replacement of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and election campaigns.
According to the judgment, political parties are entitled to the full timelines provided under the Electoral Act, and such statutory provisions cannot be modified through administrative schedules issued by the commission.
The court further ruled that deadlines imposed ahead of the periods prescribed by law were invalid and therefore unenforceable.
As a result, the affected portions of the 2027 election timetable were set aside, with the court directing that all electoral activities must strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as INEC may be required to review and adjust aspects of its electoral schedule to conform with the law.
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