Thursday July 16, 2026
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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has restored the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, overturning an earlier Federal High Court decision that invalidated key aspects of the electoral calendar.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel on Thursday, the appellate court ruled in favour of INEC’s appeal, holding that the electoral commission acted within its legal authority in issuing timelines to guide political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls.

The decision effectively nullifies the May 20 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had declared portions of INEC’s timetable unlawful following a suit instituted by the Youth Party. The lower court had held that the commission exceeded its statutory powers by prescribing timelines relating to party primaries and other pre-election activities.

However, the Court of Appeal disagreed with that position, finding merit in INEC’s arguments that the commission possesses the constitutional and statutory responsibility to regulate and coordinate the electoral process through the issuance of schedules and timelines necessary for the orderly conduct of elections.

The ruling is expected to remove the uncertainty that had trailed preparations for the 2027 general elections after conflicting judicial decisions created concerns over the validity of the commission’s electoral calendar.

With the appellate court’s verdict, political parties are now expected to align with the restored timetable as they prepare for party primaries, candidate nominations and other activities leading to the next general election.

The judgment also represents a significant legal victory for INEC, which had consistently argued that suspending or altering its timetable could disrupt critical preparations and affect the smooth conduct of the electoral process. The commission had maintained that clear timelines are essential for effective planning and compliance by political parties.

Unless further appealed to the Supreme Court, Thursday’s decision restores the legal foundation for INEC’s 2027 election timetable, allowing the commission to continue implementing its schedule for the forthcoming general elections without the restrictions imposed by the earlier High Court ruling.

TheGuardian