The Court of Appeal in Abuja has today, July 16, 2026 reinstated the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections after overturning a Federal High Court judgment that had earlier nullified parts of the schedule.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court unanimously ruled in favour of INEC’s appeal, declaring that the electoral body acted within the powers granted to it by law.
The court held that the revised timetable issued by INEC qualifies as subsidiary legislation under the Electoral Act 2026 and therefore has the force of law; It added that the deadlines set by the commission fall within the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The ruling followed INEC’s challenge of the May 20 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had faulted the commission’s timelines for political party primaries, submission of candidates’ details, and other electoral processes.
The lower court had ruled that INEC could not impose deadlines that shortened the periods allowed for political parties under the Electoral Act, following a suit filed by the Youth Party (YP).
However, the Court of Appeal disagreed with the decision, stating that the Federal High Court failed to properly consider relevant legal precedents and that INEC acted within its statutory responsibilities.
INEC had argued that the suit by YP lacked legal basis and that the judgment of the trial court affected the commission’s constitutional duty to organise elections.
The appellate court’s decision means INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections remains in effect, allowing political parties and stakeholders to continue preparations based on the approved schedule.
