The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to challenge a Federal High Court judgement that nullified part of its guidelines for the 2027 general elections.
The appeal follows a ruling delivered last week by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which struck down INEC’s directive requiring political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of conditions for participation in the 2027 polls.
The suit was filed by the Youth Party, which questioned the legality of the electoral commission’s directive.
In its judgement, the court held that INEC could not lawfully reduce the timeline already stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.
However, in a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN), asked the appellate court to overturn the lower court’s decision.
The electoral body also requested a stay of execution of the judgement pending the determination of the appeal.
