Court Rules INEC Lacks Power to Shorten Electoral Timelines

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) exceeded its statutory power by attempting to abridge timelines explicitly provided in the Electoral Act of 2026. The case, marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, was brought by the Youth Party, challenging aspects of INEC's revised electoral timetable concerning party primaries and candidate nominations.

Justice M.G. Umar stated that INEC's guidelines cannot override the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Following the judgment, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed the decision, highlighting its significance for democratic participation and the rule of law. IPAC's spokesperson, Egbeola Martin, emphasized that the ruling reaffirms constitutional supremacy and safeguards against arbitrary administrative actions.

ADC's national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the judgment broadens democratic participation and strengthens politicians' rights to seek alternative platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.