Federal High Court rules electoral body cannot override statutory timeline, hands parties more time ahead of 2027 polls

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck down the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) directive mandating political parties to submit their membership registers by May 10, 2026, declaring it inconsistent with the Electoral Act.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice M.G. Umar ruled in favour of the Youth Party, holding that INEC lacks the authority to truncate timelines clearly stipulated by law. The court affirmed that political parties are legally entitled to submit their updated membership registers up to September 2026, in line with the 120-day pre-election requirement.

Justice Umar emphasized that INEC must operate strictly within the confines of the Electoral Act and cannot impose deadlines outside what the law prescribes.

The ruling effectively widens the submission window, giving political parties additional time to organize and update their membership data ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Observers say the judgment could also reshape political calculations, particularly for aspirants who may seek to switch parties after losing primaries.

Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.