Appeal Court Restores INEC Timetable for 2027 Elections

The Appeal Court in Abuja has restored the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, reversing a Federal High Court judgment that had nullified the electoral body's timeline. The unanimous judgment, delivered by a three-member panel on Thursday, allowed INEC's appeal against the May 20 decision of the Federal High Court.

The court ruled that INEC acted within its powers as granted by law and that the lower court failed to adhere to binding judicial precedents. The Appeal Court emphasized that the revised timetable for the 2027 elections is a lawful issuance under the Electoral Act of 2026.

The judgment reinstates deadlines previously announced by INEC, enabling political parties and stakeholders to participate in the electoral process without disruption. The ruling also addressed the lower court's failure to recognize INEC's authority to prescribe timelines for political parties ahead of the elections.