The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a major judgment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, offering relief to political parties after nullifying parts of the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for party primaries and candidate nominations.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar, the court declared that INEC lacked the legal authority to shorten timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026. The judgment specifically invalidated the Commission’s directive requiring political parties to conclude primaries and submit candidate details within a period shorter than what the law prescribes.
The court also struck down INEC’s May 10 deadline that compelled political parties to submit their membership registers and databases as a condition for participating in the 2027 elections.
The case was filed by the Youth Party in suit number FHC ABJ CS 517 2016. The party argued that INEC exceeded its constitutional powers by attempting to impose timelines outside the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Justice Umar agreed with the plaintiff and held that Section 29 of the Electoral Act clearly grants political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit the personal particulars of candidates. According to the court, INEC cannot legally reduce that period through administrative guidelines.
The judgment further stated that under Section 31 of the Electoral Act, political parties are allowed to withdraw or substitute candidates up to 90 days before an election, while Section 32 requires INEC to publish the final list of candidates not earlier than 60 days before the poll.
Political observers believe the ruling could significantly reshape preparations for the 2027 elections and redefine the relationship between political parties and the electoral body.
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