Inter-Party Advisory Council and African Democratic Congress have applauded the Federal High Court judgment nullifying key aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the decision as a victory for constitutional democracy, political participation and the rule of law.
The commendations followed Wednesday’s judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that INEC lacked the powers to abridge timelines expressly provided for in the Electoral Act, 2026.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was instituted by the Youth Party, challenging portions of INEC’s revised election timetable relating to party primaries, nomination of candidates, withdrawals and substitutions, publication of final candidates’ lists and campaign periods.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice M.G. Umar ruled that the electoral commission exceeded its statutory powers by shortening timelines prescribed under the Electoral Act through administrative guidelines.
The court held that while INEC possesses the authority to issue regulations and guidelines for elections, such powers must be exercised within the limits of existing laws and cannot override provisions of the Electoral Act.
