INEC Battles Court Ruling, Rushes to Appeal Over Nullified 2027 Election Guidelines

INEC has asked the Court of Appeal to overturn a ruling nullifying parts of its 2027 election guidelines, warning the judgment could disrupt electoral preparations nationwide.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgment that nullified parts of its guidelines for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

INEC also filed a motion requesting a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of its appeal.

The controversy followed last week’s ruling by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which struck down sections of INEC’s revised timetable that directed political parties to submit membership registers and databases by May 10 as a condition for participation in the 2027 elections.

The suit was filed by the Youth Party, which challenged the legality of the electoral body’s directive. The court held that INEC could not lawfully shorten timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026 regarding the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, INEC, through its legal team led by Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN), argued before the appellate court that the lower court failed to properly address jurisdictional issues and that the judgment was against the weight of evidence presented.

The electoral commission further maintained that Sections 29, 82, and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026 should be interpreted in a manner that allows INEC to regulate election timelines and ensure orderly electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 polls.

Justice Umar had also ruled that INEC lacked the statutory authority to shorten deadlines for candidate withdrawal, publication of final candidate lists, and the duration of election campaigns beyond limits already established by the Electoral Act.

Political analysts say the legal battle could significantly impact preparations for the 2027 elections, especially regarding party primaries, submission of candidates, and electoral scheduling nationwide.