The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it will review the court ruling voiding the timetable for the 2027 general elections before taking action.
On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified key provisions in INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, ruling that the electoral umpire lacks the powers to abridge timelines expressly provided under the 2026 Electoral Act.
Justice M.G. Umar in the judgement delivered on Wednesday but a certified true copy sighted on Thursday, the court held that INEC cannot lawfully impose deadlines or timelines that are inconsistent with statutory provisions governing party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidates’ list and campaign periods.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was instituted by the Youth Party ( YP) against INEC. The plaintiff had challenged several aspects of INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 elections, arguing that the commission exceeded its statutory powers by fixing timelines that effectively shortened periods guaranteed under the Electoral Act.
Justice Umar, in the judgment, agreed with the plaintiff and granted all the declaratory reliefs sought.
The court specifically declared that under Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC’s powers to receive notices of party primaries and monitor such exercises do not extend to fixing or prescribing the period within which political parties must conduct their primaries for the 2027 elections.
Reacting on Friday, INEC director of voter education and publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi told TheCable that the commission would review the court ruling before taking any decision.
“We have not received the judgement, and we cannot comment on it. Yes, the judgement is in the public domain, and we don’t know the reasons for the decision that was taken,” Eta-Messi said.
“So, there is need to study the whole judgement and decide on the next step to take.”
