Gbenga Hashim praises Justice Umar for invalidating INEC’s unlawful timetable and commends the court for upholding the rule of law.

Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim praised the Federal High Court in Abuja for annulling parts of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He described the decision as a win for the rule of law and constitutional order.

Hashim singled out Hon. Justice M. G. Umar for what he called a courageous and principled ruling that curbed administrative overreach and reaffirmed the authority of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The court’s judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, filed by the Youth Party against INEC, held that the electoral body had acted beyond its statutory powers by imposing restrictive timelines on political parties for primaries and other pre‑election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Responding to the ruling, Hashim said he had long maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the law. He recalled writing an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warning against actions that could undermine the Electoral Act.

“I have consistently argued that INEC must act within the confines of the Electoral Act. Unfortunately, those warnings were not heeded. This judgment has now vindicated that position,” he said.

Hashim called the ruling timely and necessary, adding that it would safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen democratic governance.

“I commend Justice M.G. Umar for his courage and fidelity to justice. This is a sound judgment that reinforces the supremacy of the law and restores confidence in our democratic institutions,” he added.

The court held that INEC lacks the legal authority to set timelines for party primaries and cannot abridge statutory provisions concerning the submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign periods.

Consequently, the court set aside portions of INEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections that were found inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

Hashim urged INEC to fully comply with the judgment and to ensure that future electoral guidelines strictly conform to the law.

At the time of writing, official court documents and a certified true copy of the judgment had not yet been released publicly, and INEC had not issued an official response.

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