The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that political parties have up to September 2026 to submit their membership registers for the 2027 general elections, striking out an earlier deadline set by INEC. Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgment on Thursday following a suit filed by the Youth Party challenging the electoral commission’s […]
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that political parties have up to September 2026 to submit their membership registers for the 2027 general elections, striking out an earlier deadline set by INEC.
Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgment on Thursday following a suit filed by the Youth Party challenging the electoral commission’s directive.
The court held that INEC’s May 10 deadline was inconsistent with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides a 120 day period before elections for submission of party details.
It ruled that the commission cannot shorten or alter the statutory timeline through administrative guidelines.
By the judgment, all political parties are now expected to comply with the revised timeline and submit updated membership lists by September 2026.
The ruling invalidates the earlier guideline that required parties to meet a May deadline ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers say the decision may also ease political tensions by giving politicians more time to resolve internal party disputes and realign ahead of the polls.
The 2027 general elections are scheduled to begin with presidential and National Assembly polls on January 16, followed by governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, 2027.