By Paul Joseph
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck down a directive issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission that required political parties to submit their membership registers and related databases by May 10, 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice M.G. Umar ruled that INEC acted beyond its legal powers by attempting to shorten timelines already clearly defined under the Electoral Act 2026. The court held that the commission cannot lawfully impose deadlines that contradict statutory provisions governing pre-election procedures.
The suit was filed by the Youth Party, which argued that INEC’s directive violated the legally established 120-day pre-election window for submission of candidates’ particulars and related party documentation.
Justice Umar agreed with the argument, referencing Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that political parties must submit candidate information not later than 120 days before an election. He ruled that INEC lacked authority to abridge that timeframe through administrative guidelines.
The judgment effectively nullifies the earlier May 10 deadline and grants all registered political parties until September 2026 to submit updated membership registers and relevant records.
The court’s decision is expected to significantly influence political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as it provides additional time for internal party realignments, including potential defections and re-strategizing by politicians who lost party primaries.
The ruling also comes after INEC had previously set timelines for party compliance following consultations with political stakeholders. The commission had maintained that its guidelines were aligned with the Electoral Act 2026 and the approved election timetable.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The decision by the court in Abuja marks a major legal interpretation of electoral timelines and is expected to shape preparations leading up to the 2027 general elections.
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