The Independent National Electoral Commission has (INEC) has asked the Court of Appeal to set aside a Federal High Court judgment that struck out part of its 2027 election timetable, warning that the ruling may affect election preparations nationwide. The disputed ruling followed a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC over a directive […]
The Independent National Electoral Commission has (INEC) has asked the Court of Appeal to set aside a Federal High Court judgment that struck out part of its 2027 election timetable, warning that the ruling may affect election preparations nationwide.
The disputed ruling followed a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC over a directive compelling political parties to submit membership registers and candidate details by May 10.
Justice Muhammed Umar had ruled that INEC could not alter timelines already provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.
But in its appeal, the commission argued that the court wrongly interpreted the law and failed to consider all jurisdictional issues raised during proceedings.
INEC also challenged the court’s decision granting the Youth Party the right to institute the case, insisting the party did not prove any direct harm caused by the timetable.
According to the commission, the revised timetable was lawfully issued under powers granted to it by the Electoral Act, adding that political parties are free to submit documents earlier than the statutory deadline.
The electoral body further argued that the judgment ignored previous decisions of superior courts and could negatively affect the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections if allowed to stand.
INEC has now asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the judgment and suspend its execution until the appeal is fully determined.