The ruling was delivered by Justice J.K. Omotosho in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026 filed by the Social Democratic Party, which challenged aspects of INEC’s timetable and election schedule for the 2027 polls.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the legal authority to fix timelines within which political parties must conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as the commission moves to challenge a separate judgment that had earlier nullified parts of its election guidelines.
The ruling was delivered by Justice J.K. Omotosho in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026 filed by the Social Democratic Party, which challenged aspects of INEC’s timetable and election schedule for the 2027 polls.
A Certified True Copy of the judgment obtained by SaharaReporters showed that the document was dated May 26, 2026, indicating the date the certified copy was released.
In the judgment, the court held that INEC is empowered under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 to issue election timetables that include deadlines for political party primaries and related preparatory activities.
