By Billy Young l May 25, 2026
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed an appeal seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgment that nullified portions of the commission’s guidelines and timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The appeal, filed before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, also requests a stay of execution of the May 20 judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court. INEC’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Izinyon, argued that the commission acted within its constitutional powers when it issued timelines and regulations for political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy began after the Youth Party challenged aspects of INEC’s revised election timetable, particularly directives requiring political parties to submit membership registers and candidate details within deadlines set by the electoral body. The Federal High Court ruled that INEC could not lawfully shorten timelines already established under the Electoral Act 2026.
Justice Umar held that while INEC possesses constitutional authority to supervise elections and monitor party primaries, it exceeded its powers by introducing timelines that effectively altered provisions of the Electoral Act. The court specifically faulted sections of the timetable relating to the submission of party membership records and particulars of candidates contesting future elections.
In its appeal, INEC argued that the lower court failed to properly interpret the commission’s statutory responsibility to organise and regulate elections in Nigeria. The commission maintained that preparing election timetables and schedules forms a central part of its constitutional duties and is necessary for effective election management.
INEC also questioned the legal standing of the Youth Party to institute the suit, arguing that the matter was hypothetical and did not demonstrate direct injury suffered by the party. The commission further insisted that none of its guidelines unlawfully amended or contradicted provisions of the Electoral Act.
The legal dispute is expected to have major implications for preparations toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, particularly concerning the extent of INEC’s authority to regulate internal party processes, election schedules, and pre-election activities. Political parties are required by law to conduct primaries and submit candidate information within statutory deadlines before general elections.
The appeal comes months after INEC earlier adjusted the timetable for the 2027 presidential election to avoid a clash with the Ramadan fasting period, a move that also generated public debate over the commission’s powers and scheduling decisions.
As of press time, no hearing date had been announced by the Court of Appeal regarding INEC’s request to overturn the lower court ruling.