Court judgment on election timetable threat to 2027 polls – INEC
INEC Appeals Court Rulings on 2027 Election Timetable
By Omeiza Ajayi
Abuja — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Tuesday that it has filed appeals against two Federal High Court rulings that challenge aspects of its timetable for the 2027 General Election. The Commission argues that the activities outlined in the timetable are interconnected processes essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral calendar.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the announcement during the Commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja. He noted that the Commission has thoroughly evaluated the court rulings and is seeking authoritative guidance from appellate courts.
The first ruling, issued on May 20, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 (Youth Party vs. INEC), questioned specific timelines in the electoral timetable. The second ruling, delivered on May 26, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026 (Social Democratic Party vs. INEC), upheld INEC’s right to issue a timetable but annulled certain deadlines pertaining to candidate nominations and substitutions.
In discussing the second ruling, Professor Amupitan referenced the court’s acknowledgment that an incomplete electoral timetable could lead to chaos within the electoral system. He underscored the need for the timetable, which he believes is vital for orderly electoral processes.
“While the Commission respects the judiciary, these decisions raise critical legal questions regarding our constitutional and statutory powers to manage electoral activities,” Professor Amupitan stated.
He emphasized that the components of the timetable are not isolated events but part of a cohesive operational framework necessary for conducting elections efficiently and transparently. Although the Electoral Act stipulates timelines for specific activities, various essential processes lack defined timelines, necessitating their inclusion within the overall electoral calendar.
Key activities mentioned by Professor Amupitan include the submission and verification of party membership registers, monitoring of party primaries, nomination processes, ballot paper printing, training of election personnel, and compliance with statutory obligations.
The Chairman assured political parties and citizens that, despite the ongoing appeals, INEC is committed to conducting the 2027 General Election in full compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and valid judicial decisions.
He also announced that on June 26, 2026, INEC would provide official access codes to political parties for the Candidate Nomination Portal, allowing national officers to submit necessary candidate information. Professor Amupitan warned that the portal is automated and will close automatically at the end of the designated period.
