A Federal High Court has reportedly nullified several timelines and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, ruling that the electoral body exceeded its constitutional powers in setting certain deadlines for political parties.
The court decision, which has generated widespread reactions within Nigeria’s political space, clarified the extent of INEC’s authority concerning party primaries, candidate submissions, campaign schedules, and replacement of candidates.
According to details from the ruling, the court held that INEC can only monitor party primaries for the 2027 elections and does not possess the legal power to determine when political parties must conduct their primary elections.
The court further ruled that the electoral commission cannot shorten or limit the statutory period within which political parties are expected to submit the names and personal particulars of their candidates for the 2027 polls.
In another major aspect of the judgment, the court stated that INEC lacks the authority to impose restrictive timelines on the withdrawal or replacement of candidates by political parties, including issues relating to placeholder candidates.
The ruling also addressed the publication of candidates’ lists, declaring that INEC cannot release the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections earlier than 60 days before the election date.
Additionally, the court nullified INEC’s directive that political campaigns must end two days before elections, insisting that such timelines must comply strictly with existing electoral laws and constitutional provisions.
The judgment effectively set aside all timelines earlier imposed by INEC regarding, the High Court 6 ruling is as follows:
- INEC can only monitor 2027 primaries but cannot fix timetable for when a political party should conduct its primaries for this election
INEC cannot give a shorter timeframe or abridge the period in which a political party can provide information of their candidates for 2027 election
- INEC cannot give a shorter timeframe to political parties as regards withdrawal or replacement of candidates (Placeholders)
INEC cannot publish any final list of candidates for 2027 elections before 60 days to election.
- INEC cannot fix 2027 campaigns to end 2 days to elections.
This is AN ORDER nullifying and setting aside the timeframes imposed by INEC for 2027 General Election for:
- the conduct of primary elections by political parties for the 2027 general elections
- the submission of personal particulars of candidates by their political parties for the 2027 general elections
- the withdrawal and replacement of candidates by political parties
- the publication of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections and campaigning.
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The ruling is expected to have significant implications for political parties and electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders continue to assess the legal and political impact of the decision.
