Gbenga Hashim praises Justice Umar for nullifying the INEC timetable and commends the court.

Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Hashim praised the Federal High Court in Abuja for striking down parts of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He called the ruling a triumph for the rule of law and constitutional order.

Hashim singled out Hon. Justice M. G. Umar for what he described as a bold and principled decision that curbed administrative overreach and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act, 2026.

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

Responding to the judgment, Hashim said he had long maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the law. He noted that he had previously written 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 described the ruling as timely and necessary, asserting 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 judgment stated that INEC lacks the legal authority to set timelines for party primaries and cannot curtail statutory provisions concerning the submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign periods.

Accordingly, 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 reporting, 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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