A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, a decision that could trigger fresh defections across political parties ahead of the polls.
The court ruled that INEC lacks the statutory authority to fix deadlines for party primaries and candidate submissions outside the provisions already contained in the Electoral Act 2026.
Justice Mohammed Umar held that political parties are entitled to operate within the timelines provided by law, including the submission of candidates’ particulars and replacement of candidates.
The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC, challenging the commission’s revised electoral timetable.
Under the earlier INEC schedule, political parties were expected to submit membership registers by May 10, while primaries were to end by May 31, 2026. The court’s ruling effectively extends the window for parties to update membership registers and conduct political adjustments ahead of the elections.
Analysts say the development may encourage politicians who lost party tickets to defect to alternative platforms before the 2027 elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the judgment as a victory for freedom of association, saying it could lead to “mass defections” from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
INEC, however, defended its timetable, insisting the timelines were created to provide operational flexibility for both the commission and political parties.
Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Olisama, said the commission would study the judgment in detail before taking further steps.
