The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified its revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
INEC on Monday filed a notice of appeal and a motion for stay of execution of the judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar.
Last Wednesday, the court nullified INEC’s timelines for the conduct of party primaries and submission of candidates for the 2027 polls.
Justice Umar held that INEC lacked the powers to “fix or prescribe the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections for the purpose of nominating candidates for the 2027 general elections.”
The judge ruled that the powers granted to the commission under Sections 29, 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act did not extend to determining timelines for party primaries.
The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 filed on March 11 by the Youth Party (YP).
Under the revised timetable issued by INEC, political parties were expected to submit their membership registers by May 10, conduct primaries, and complete withdrawals and replacement of candidates before the end of May.
The court ruling effectively extended the deadline for parties to submit updated membership registers and related documents until September 2026.
INEC based its appeal on nine grounds.
Through its counsel, Alex Izinyon, the commission argued that the trial judge erred in law by failing to determine whether the suit was hypothetical and academic.
INEC also argued that the lower court wrongly interpreted Sections 29(1), 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026 by giving them what it described as a narrow interpretation.
The commission further contended that the trial court failed to apply the provisions of Section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026, to the case.
INEC is seeking an order allowing the appeal and setting aside the judgment delivered on May 20 in the suit between the Youth Party and the commission.
It also asked the appellate court to strike out the suit on the grounds that the Youth Party lacked the locus standi to institute and maintain the case, arguing that the matter was merely academic.
Daily Trust
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