Appeal Court Restores INEC Guidelines for 2027 Elections

On Thursday, a three-member panel of the Appeal Court in Abuja delivered a unanimous judgment restoring the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) revised guidelines for the 2027 general elections. This ruling set aside a May 20 decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja that had invalidated parts of INEC's timeline for party primaries and candidate nominations.

The trial court was found to have failed to adhere to judicial precedents regarding INEC's authority to revise timelines under the Electoral Act of 2026. Justice Moham Umar ruled that INEC's deadlines for the 2027 elections fell within the provisions of the Electoral Act and that the commission could not lawfully shorten the statutory periods prescribed.

INEC had filed an appeal on May 25, seeking to overturn the lower court's decision, arguing that it would disrupt preparations for the upcoming elections. The Appeal Court's ruling ensures that the electoral process can continue without confusion.