Opposition political parties on Thursday hailed the Federal High Court judgment voiding key deadlines in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.
They described the ruling as a major boost for internal party democracy and political participation.
The Abuja court had nullified portions of INEC’s timetable relating to party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, replacement of candidates and membership register deadlines, ruling that the electoral body exceeded its powers by shortening timelines expressly provided under the Electoral Act, 2026.
Justice M. G. Umar, who delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC, held that the commission could not lawfully abridge statutory timelines relating to party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and replacement of candidates, publication of final candidates’ lists, and campaign periods.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, challenged aspects of INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 elections announced earlier this year.
