INEC Appeals Election Timetable Ruling Amid Legal Concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to appeal a court ruling concerning the election timetable. INEC Chairman Prof. Amupitan addressed concerns during a quarterly consultative meeting in Abuja, highlighting the growing number of court cases related to political party leadership following recent primaries.

He urged political parties to resolve internal disputes to avoid distractions and maintain democratic stability. The commission is intensifying preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections and emphasized the importance of early engagement with political parties.

INEC is also preparing for the Ekiti State governorship election, expecting 1,059,360 registered voters to participate. Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantal, the IPAC national chairman, criticized the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which he claims complicate the nomination process for political parties.

He expressed concerns about the financial and logistical challenges posed by direct primaries, particularly for parties lacking government resources, and called for a reconsideration of the law to facilitate smoother electoral processes.