INEC Heads to Appeal Court Over Judgment Nullifying Part of 2027 Election Guidelines The Independent National Electoral

Commission has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to challenge a Federal High Court judgment which voided part of its guidelines for the 2027 general elections.

INEC’s appeal followed last week’s ruling delivered by Justice Muhammed Umar, which struck down the commission’s directive mandating 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 instituted by the Youth Party, which questioned the legality of the electoral commission’s directive.

In the judgment, the Federal High Court held that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline already provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, the electoral commission, through its counsel, Alex Izinyon, filed a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

INEC also requested a stay of execution pending the determinatioqn of the appeal.

The commission argued that its guidelines were issued within its constitutional and statutory powers to regulate electoral processes and ensure proper preparation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The legal dispute is expected to test the scope of INEC’s powers in setting timelines and administrative requirements for political parties participating in elections.