INEC Appeals Court Rulings on 2027 Election Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed appeals against two conflicting Federal High Court judgments that challenged its authority to set timelines for the 2027 general elections. Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan announced the legal action during a consultative meeting in Abuja, citing rulings involving the Youth Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that nullified specific timelines for candidate nomination and substitution.

Amupitan argued that these judgments create legal uncertainty and threaten operational stability, as interrelated processes like BVAS configuration and candidate nominations must be harmonized to avoid chaos. Sadiq Gombe, National Chairman of the SDP, criticized the appeals, contending that the court rulings provide parties more room for participation and preparation.

Despite these disputes, INEC will issue official access codes to political parties on June 26, 2026, for the automated Candidate Nomination Portal. Amupitan warned that the portal will close strictly at the prescribed deadline. Separately, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the National Assembly to review the Electoral Act 2026, claiming the removal of indirect primaries has caused operational constraints and increased internal party litigation.

INEC also confirmed its readiness for the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election and upcoming bye-elections in several districts.