INEC Appeals Court Decision That Voided 2027 Election Timelines

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn a judgment that annulled the timelines it set for the 2027 general elections.

The Commission also requested a stay of the judgment’s execution while the appeal is considered.

In a notice of appeal dated 25 May, prepared by INEC’s legal team led by Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, the Commission outlined nine grounds on which it urged the appellate court to reverse the Federal High Court’s decision delivered on 20 May.

INEC argued that the trial court erred in law by failing to address a jurisdictional issue it had raised. It also contended that the legal action brought by the Youth Party (YP) was hypothetical and academic, and that the trial court’s failure to address key issues denied the appellant a fair hearing.

INEC further maintained that the high court was mistaken in its interpretation of Sections 29(1), 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026. It stated: “It is clear from the wordings of Sections 29(1), 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the following can be understood. Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 mandates Political Parties to submit the names of candidates in prescribed forms of the candidates who emerged from its valid primaries which such a political party intends to sponsor at the elections, not later than 120 days before the date of the General Election.”

“What is required of Political Parties to do under the Electoral Act, 2026 is to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 21 days before the holding of its primaries, congresses or conventions, days before the holding of its primaries, congresses or conventions, or any conference or meeting convened for the election of its executive committees, other governing bodies for nominating candidates.”

“The Defendant is not mandated to impose a timeframe for political parties to conduct their primaries provided that it will be done and submitted not later than the 120 days provided by the Electoral Act, 2026. See Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.”

INEC asserted that the trial court’s verdict ran counter to the evidence presented by the parties. It therefore prayed that the appellate court grant the appeal and set aside the judgment.

The electoral body also urged the Court of Appeal to strike out YP’s case, arguing that the party lacked locus standi to institute or maintain the action, which INEC described as merely academic.

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