The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has restored the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, overturning a Federal High Court judgment that nullified parts of the electoral schedule.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, July 16, 2026, a three-member panel held that INEC acted within its statutory powers by issuing timelines for election-related activities.
The appellate court ruled that INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities constituted valid subsidiary legislation under the Electoral Act, 2026, and carried the force of law.
It held that the deadlines set by the commission were consistent with the Electoral Act and that INEC had the authority to establish a framework for the orderly conduct of the 2027 polls.
The judgment overturned the decision of Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on May 20, 2026, which had invalidated key parts of INEC’s timetable following a suit by the Youth Party (YP).
READ ALSO: INEC Partners NIMC To Use NIN For Credible Future Voter Verification
The Federal High Court had ruled that INEC lacked the power to shorten statutory timelines for party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal or substitution of candidates, and other pre-election activities.
It also nullified the commission’s May 10, 2026 deadline requiring parties to submit membership registers and databases.
INEC challenged the ruling through a notice of appeal filed on May 25, 2026, raising nine grounds and arguing that the trial court failed to resolve critical issues, including its objection to the competence of YP’s suit.
The commission maintained that its timetable was issued in line with its constitutional responsibility to organize and regulate elections.
In allowing the appeal, the Court of Appeal affirmed INEC’s authority to set electoral timelines, effectively restoring the commission’s revised schedule for the 2027 general elections.