The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing a series of court cases that could significantly influence preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, just months after unveiling its revised election timetable.
The commission’s schedule, released in February, outlines key electoral activities, including party primaries, submission of nomination forms, publication of candidates’ lists and the commencement of election campaigns ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, several lawsuits currently before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal are challenging different aspects of INEC’s powers, the legality of parts of its election timetable and the status of some registered political parties.
One of the major cases was filed by the Youth Party, which argued that parts of INEC’s revised timetable conflicted with provisions of the Electoral Act by shortening statutory timelines for party activities such as membership registration, primaries, candidate nominations and substitutions.
The Federal High Court ruled that while INEC has the constitutional authority to organise elections and issue guidelines, it cannot alter timelines expressly provided under the Electoral Act. The commission has appealed the judgment, insisting that every stage of the electoral timetable is interconnected and essential for the smooth conduct of the elections. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment.
A similar legal challenge was also brought by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which questioned deadlines relating to candidate nominations and substitutions. Although the trial court upheld INEC’s authority to issue election timetables, it ruled that statutory timelines under the Electoral Act cannot be modified. INEC has equally appealed the decision, with judgment still pending.
Another major case involves the deregistration of five political parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord, Action Alliance, Action People’s Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). While the Federal High Court ordered INEC to deregister the parties, the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment pending the determination of appeals, allowing the parties to remain legally recognised for now.
The courts are also considering a separate suit challenging INEC’s registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The case seeks a judicial interpretation of whether the party’s registration complied with constitutional and legal requirements. The matter remains before the Federal High Court.
The appeals relating to the deregistration of the five political parties have been adjourned until July 14, 2026, to allow all parties to complete the exchange of relevant court documents.
Legal experts believe the outcomes of these cases will clarify the extent of INEC’s constitutional powers, determine the participation of affected political parties and shape the legal framework governing the 2027 general elections.
Senior lawyer Mike Ahamba said it would be inappropriate to speculate on the likely outcome of the appeals, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would deliver its judgments within the constitutional timeframe before the elections.
