Court nullifies INEC deadline, gives parties till September 2026 to submit membership registers
Federal High Court Nullifies INEC Guidelines for 2027 Elections
Abuja — The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Thursday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot enforce its guidelines requiring political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, a prerequisite for participation in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgment in response to a lawsuit filed by the Youth Party, stating that INEC exceeded its authority in attempting to impose an earlier deadline than the one stipulated in the Electoral Act of 2026.
According to the court, Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act grants political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit the personal details of their candidates. The ruling affirms that INEC cannot lawfully shorten this timeframe.
“The court declares that, in accordance with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates political parties to submit candidate particulars not later than 120 days before an election, the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period,” the judge stated.
As a result of the ruling, registered political parties now have until September 2026 to provide updated membership registers to INEC, nullifying the previously established May 10 deadline.
This decision could open up new opportunities for politicians who were unsuccessful in party primaries to switch parties prior to the 2027 elections.
INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are set for February 6, 2027.
