The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue and alter election timetables for the conduct of elections.
It, however, held that although the commission is empowered to perform these functions, such powers must be exercised strictly in line with the timelines prescribed by the Electoral Act, 2026.
The court, therefore, ordered INEC to amend the election timetable for the 2027 elections and schedule of activities in compliance with Sections 29(1) and 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The judgment comes as the electoral body appeals an earlier judgment nullifying parts of its revised guidelines for the 2027 general elections.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering judgment on Tuesday in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026, held that INEC is constitutionally empowered to issue election timetables and schedules of activities for elections.
