Federal High Court Directs INEC to Align 2027 Election Schedule with Electoral Act

In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adjust its timetable for the 2027 general elections. This decision comes after the Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed a lawsuit challenging certain aspects of INEC's revised election schedule. Specifically, the court found that INEC's shortened deadlines for submitting candidate details and conducting substitutions were not in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment on May 26, emphasized that while INEC has the authority to set and adjust election timetables, it must do so within the legal framework established by the law. The court's ruling nullified INEC's deadlines of August 29 and September 16, 2026, for submitting nomination forms for various elective positions, as these conflicted with statutory provisions. Furthermore, the court affirmed INEC's right to request party membership registers and regulate primary election timelines. However, INEC has appealed the ruling and filed a motion seeking a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal. The Electoral Act 2026 stipulates a 90-day period for candidate substitution and a 120-day window for political parties to submit candidate names before elections. In accordance with the court's directive, INEC is required to amend its timetable to comply fully with the Electoral Act. This development is expected to have implications for the upcoming 2027 general elections and the electoral process in Nigeria.