Hashim described the ruling as timely and necessary, saying it would protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen democratic governance.
A former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has commended the Federal High Court in Abuja for nullifying portions of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), describing the judgement as a victory for the rule of law and constitutional order.
Hashim specifically praised Hon. Justice M. G. Umar for what he termed a courageous and principled decision that checked administrative overreach and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Federal High Court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, reportedly held that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers by imposing restrictive timelines on political parties for the conduct of primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the judgement, Hashim said he had consistently maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the confines of the law, revealing that he had earlier written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warning against actions capable of undermining the Electoral Act.
