Nigeria: Another Court Okays INEC's Power to Issue Election Guidelines
The court said INEC can set primary deadlines but cannot cut statutory candidate-submission periods under the Electoral Act 2026.
- A Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed yesterday that the Independent National Electoral Commission possesses legal authority to fix timelines for political party primaries ahead of 2027 elections, with Justice J.K. Omotosho declaring INEC is empowered by the Constitution and Electoral Act 2026 to issue and alter election timetables.
- The Social Democratic Party filed suit FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026 questioning whether INEC possessed constitutional powers to compel political parties to conduct primaries within commission-fixed timelines, challenging aspects of the commission's 2027 election timetable and schedule of activities.
- While affirming INEC's general authority, the court restricted the commission's power to shorten the 120-day period stipulated under Section 29 of the Electoral Act for submission of candidates particulars, partly upholding SDP's claims on statutory compliance.
- Justice Omotosho nullified INEC's August 29 and September 16, 2026 nomination submission deadlines and ordered the electoral commission to amend its 2027 election timetable to comply strictly with sections 29 and 31 of the Electoral Act 2026.
- INEC faces competing court orders as it challenges a separate judgment that had earlier nullified parts of its election guidelines, requiring the commission to establish new nomination timelines compliant with the 120-day statutory requirement while navigating conflicting judicial directives.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Nigeria: Another Court Okays INEC's Power to Issue Election Guidelines
BLess than 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appealed the judgement nullifying part of its election guidelines, issued to political parties, another court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has okayed the commission's power to issue timetable for the 2027 elections.
Another court approves INEC's power to issue election guidelines
By John Azu A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue guidelines and time table for the conduct of elections. Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday held that INEC can also alter the timetable to give effect to the constitutional provisions. “This honourable court hereby declares that the timetable for the conduct of the 2027 general election issued by the defendant is valid…
Another Court Affirms INEC’s Power To Issue Election Timetable, Schedule Of Activities
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday affirmed the power of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue timetable for elections and alter it as it deems fit. Justice James Omotosho also held that the 2027 election timetable issued by INEC was valid and legally issued, “stating timeframe within which political parties are to hold their primaries and stating timeframe for the submission of membership registers of political…
Court Orders INEC to Amend 2027 Election Timetable, Says 120 Day Candidate Submission Rule Must Stand — SDP Wins Partial Victory Against Electoral Commission
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revise its timetable for the 2027 general elections to
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