2027 Elections: Court Nullifies INEC Deadline for Primaries, Candidate Nomination
The Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated parts of the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, delivering a major relief to political parties ahead of the polls.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar, the court held that several deadlines fixed by INEC for party primaries, submission of candidates, and party membership registers were inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The ruling is expected to significantly affect preparations for the 2027 elections and ongoing political realignments across parties.
Court Faults INEC’s Election Timetable
Justice Umar specifically set aside INEC’s May 10 deadline which required political parties to submit their membership register and database as part of the conditions for participating in the 2027 elections.
According to the court, INEC lacked the legal powers to shorten timelines already provided under the Electoral Act.
The judge ruled that the commission cannot impose deadlines that contradict statutory provisions contained in the law governing elections in Nigeria.
How the Case Started
The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party (YP) against INEC before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the suit marked:
FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2016
the Youth Party asked the court to interpret Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The party argued that INEC does not have the authority to independently prescribe shorter deadlines for:
- party primaries
- candidate submissions
- replacement of candidates
outside the timelines already stated in the Electoral Act.
Court Says INEC Cannot Shorten Legal Deadlines
While delivering judgment, Justice Umar agreed with the Youth Party and held that Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act clearly provides that political parties have up to 120 days before an election to submit particulars of candidates.
The court ruled that:
INEC cannot lawfully abridge or reduce that statutory period by introducing an earlier deadline in its election timetable.
The court also held that Section 31 of the Electoral Act permits political parties to withdraw or replace candidates up to 90 days before an election.
As a result, INEC was said to lack the authority to impose an earlier deadline for candidate substitution.
Other Parts of INEC Timetable Affected
The judgment also affected:
- publication of final candidate lists
- campaign timelines
- submission of party membership registers
Justice Umar ruled that INEC cannot publish the final list of candidates earlier than the 60-day minimum period allowed under the Electoral Act.
The court further declared that the commission lacks powers to compel campaigns to end two days before elections if such timeline contradicts the Electoral Act 2026.
Major Relief for Political Parties
The ruling is expected to provide breathing space for political parties currently battling:
- internal crises
- coalition negotiations
- candidate selection disputes
- defections and political realignments
Many opposition parties had expressed concerns over the tight timelines earlier introduced by INEC.
Political analysts believe the judgment may lead to:
- extended coalition talks
- more political negotiations
- delayed candidate decisions
ahead of the 2027 elections.
What This Means for 2027 Elections
The court decision could reshape political preparations for 2027 in several ways.
1. More Time for Coalition Talks
Opposition parties now have additional room to negotiate alliances and resolve internal disputes.
2. Increased Political Repositioning
Politicians considering defections or strategic moves may now have more flexibility before final candidate submissions.
3. Possible Appeal by INEC
Legal observers believe INEC could challenge the judgment at the appellate court.
4. Impact on Election Preparations
The ruling may force adjustments to INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections.
Conclusion
The Federal High Court judgment represents a significant legal setback for INEC ahead of the 2027 elections.
By nullifying parts of the commission’s timetable, the court reaffirmed that electoral timelines must remain consistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
As political parties continue preparations for the next general elections, the ruling is likely to influence coalition talks, candidate selection processes, and broader political strategies across Nigeria.
