Court affirms INEC’s power to amend election timetable

A federal high court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue and alter election timetables for the conduct of elections.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Tuesday in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party challenging aspects of INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The court held that INEC has constitutional and statutory powers to issue election schedules and regulate electoral activities, but ruled that such powers must be exercised strictly within the timelines provided under the Electoral Act, 2026.

Justice Omotosho stated that election timetables are essential for orderly conduct of party primaries, submission of membership registers and nomination processes ahead of elections.

“Without this timetable, there would be chaos in our electoral system,” the judge held.

However, the court ruled that INEC exceeded its powers by shortening the statutory period allowed for substitution and withdrawal of candidates as provided under Sections 29 and 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The judge declared that the commission could not lawfully reduce the 120-day period for submission of candidates’ names or the 90-day period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

The court subsequently ordered INEC to amend its 2027 election timetable and schedule of activities to comply fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The judgment comes days after another Federal High Court ruling by Justice Muhammed Umar nullified parts of INEC’s revised guidelines in a separate suit filed by the Youth Party.

INEC has already appealed that judgment at the Court of Appeal, insisting that its revised timetable does not conflict with the Constitution or the Electoral Act.