adsThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Thursday that it will appeal against a Federal High Court judgment challenging its statutory power to fix timetables for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although the commission has not made its position public, officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the electoral umpire is reviewing the court order before taking a formal stance. Sources close to the matter confirmed that an appeal is expected.
Limits to statutory powers under Electoral Act
The development follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that INEC lacks the constitutional and statutory powers to prescribe timetables for the conduct of party primaries. Related News Pape Thiaw names 28-man Senegal squad for 2026 World Cup NGX Group CEO urges CBN to treat capital market development as macroeconomic necessity Nigeria’s new yield trade is driving investors into commercial paper
Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, Justice M.G. Umar ruled that the commission’s role under Sections 29, 82, and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 is strictly limited. The court noted that INEC is only empowered to receive notices of party primaries, monitor the proceedings, and receive the personal particulars of candidates.
