Appeal Court Gives INEC Green Light to Proceed with 2027 Election Timetable

The Court of Appeal has upheld the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) authority to implement its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, setting aside an earlier Federal High Court judgment that nullified key aspects of the electoral calendar.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday in Abuja, a three-member panel of the appellate court ruled that INEC acted within the powers conferred on it by the Constitution and the Electoral Act in issuing timelines to guide political parties and other stakeholders in the build-up to the 2027 polls.

The decision overturns the May 20 ruling of the Federal High Court, which had voided parts of the commission’s timetable after the Youth Party challenged INEC’s authority to prescribe deadlines for party primaries and other pre-election activities.

The appellate court held that the electoral umpire has the constitutional responsibility to organise, supervise and coordinate elections, including issuing schedules that ensure an orderly and credible electoral process.

It agreed with INEC’s submission that the timetable forms an integral part of election planning and is necessary to ensure compliance by political parties and other stakeholders.

The ruling brings clarity to preparations for the 2027 general elections after weeks of uncertainty created by the High Court’s judgment.

Political parties are now expected to comply with the restored timetable, which outlines deadlines for party primaries, submission of candidates and other activities leading to the general election.

The judgment is also seen as a major legal victory for INEC, reinforcing the commission’s statutory powers to regulate the electoral process and preventing disruptions to preparations for the polls.

Unless the matter is further appealed to the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal’s decision remains the binding legal position, allowing INEC to proceed with the implementation of its 2027 election timetable.