Lawsuit Filed Against NASS, INEC Over Electoral Act 2026

A civil society organization has initiated legal action against the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State. The suit challenges specific sections of the Electoral Act 2026, which the organization believes are unconstitutional and detrimental to Nigeria's democratic process as the 2027 general elections approach.

The claimants argue that provisions in sections 83(5) and 86(6)(b) unlawfully restrict the power of Nigerian courts, particularly regarding internal political party matters. This legal action follows the recent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new provisions preventing courts from hearing certain disputes arising from political party activities.

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Sambo, speaking for the organization, accused the National Assembly of exceeding its constitutional powers and warned that allowing these provisions to stand would weaken internal democracy within political parties and deny aggrieved members access to justice. The case is scheduled for hearing on July 8, with its outcome expected to influence the legal interpretation surrounding electoral disputes ahead of the upcoming elections.