INEC ordered by another court to amend 2027 election timetable over Electoral Act breach

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revise its 2027 general election timetable, citing inconsistencies with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

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Delivering judgment on Tuesday, May 26, in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the court held that while INEC has constitutional authority to set and adjust election timetables, it must operate strictly within the legal timelines established by law.

The case challenged parts of INEC’s revised schedule, particularly the shortened deadlines for political parties to submit candidate details and carry out substitutions.

Justice James Omotosho ruled that INEC cannot lawfully reduce the 90-day period allowed for candidate substitution under section 31 of the Electoral Act 2026. The court also held that the commission cannot shorten the 120-day window given to political parties to submit candidate names before elections.

As a result, the court nullified INEC’s deadlines of August 29 and September 16, 2026, for the submission of nomination forms for various elective positions, stating that they conflicted with statutory provisions.

The judge directed INEC to amend its timetable to comply fully with the Electoral Act, while also affirming that the commission is within its rights to request party membership registers and regulate primary election timelines. INEC has since appealed the ruling and filed a motion seeking a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal.