The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has nullified guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a judgement delivered on Thursday, Justice M.G. Umar ruled that INEC lacked the legal authority to abridge or shorten timelines already provided under the Electoral Act 2026 regarding the submission of documents related to party membership and candidates.
The suit was instituted by the Youth Party, which challenged the legality of INEC’s directive and asked the court to compel the electoral commission to comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The party argued that the electoral body’s decision to impose a May 10 deadline violated the statutory provisions governing the conduct of elections and internal party processes.
Delivering judgement in the matter, Justice Umar held that Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 clearly stipulates that political parties are required to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days before the date of an election.
According to the court, the provision already established a clear legal framework and timeline, which INEC could not lawfully alter through administrative guidelines or directives.
“A Declaration is made that having regards to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, the Defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter time frame in its 2027 elections,” the court ruled.
The judgement effectively invalidates the earlier deadline fixed by INEC and restores the statutory timeline contained in the Electoral Act.
With the ruling, registered political parties now have until September 2026 to submit updated membership registers and relevant candidate documents ahead of the 2027 elections.
The decision is expected to have significant political implications, especially for politicians considering defection from one political party to another after losing party primaries.
Political analysts say the ruling provides more time and flexibility for political negotiations, realignments and strategic defections before the final deadline for candidate submissions.
Observers also believe the judgement could reshape political calculations across various parties ahead of the next general elections.
INEC had earlier announced January 16, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Under the timelines initially released by the commission, political parties were expected to complete their primaries and submit necessary documents months ahead of the elections.
The commission had insisted that the earlier submission deadline was necessary to ensure adequate verification of party membership registers and compliance with electoral regulations.
INEC had initially fixed April 21, 2026, as the deadline for submission of party membership registers.
However, following complaints and consultations with political parties, the commission later extended the deadline to May 10, 2026.
The electoral body stated at the time that the extension followed consultations held with political parties on March 24, during which stakeholders requested more time to complete internal processes.
INEC had maintained that its directive was consistent with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 as well as the timetable approved for party primaries.
The commission also explained that the submission of membership registers was important to ensure transparency and proper monitoring of political party activities ahead of the elections.
According to INEC, party primaries were scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, and the submission of membership registers formed part of preparations for those exercises.
The commission further disclosed that all submitted registers would undergo verification in line with electoral laws and regulations.
Weeks before the court judgement, INEC announced that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria had complied with the directive by submitting their membership registers before the extended May 10 deadline.
The latest ruling, however, has now rendered the earlier directive unenforceable.
Legal analysts say the judgement reinforces the supremacy of statutory provisions over administrative guidelines issued by regulatory agencies.
Some constitutional lawyers also argue that the ruling may set an important precedent regarding the limits of INEC’s regulatory powers under the Electoral Act.
According to analysts, the court’s interpretation emphasises that administrative agencies cannot override timelines expressly established by legislation.
Political stakeholders are expected to closely study the implications of the judgement, particularly in relation to party primaries, candidate substitutions and political defections ahead of the 2027 elections.
The decision may also trigger further legal and political debates concerning the balance between INEC’s constitutional responsibilities and the rights of political parties under the Electoral Act.
Observers note that the ruling comes at a critical time when political activities and alignments are already intensifying across the country.
Several parties have commenced consultations, coalition talks and internal restructuring ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The judgement is therefore expected to influence ongoing political strategies within both ruling and opposition parties.
While some stakeholders may view the ruling as a victory for political parties and internal democracy, others argue that it could complicate election planning and logistics for the electoral commission.
INEC had yet to officially indicate whether it would appeal the judgement as of the time of filing this report.
However, the commission is expected to review the court’s decision and determine its next line of action regarding timelines and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the ruling could further increase political activity in the coming months as politicians reassess their positions, alliances and electoral options ahead of the final submission deadline.
The judgement also underscores the growing role of the judiciary in shaping Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly in matters relating to party primaries, candidate eligibility and the interpretation of electoral laws.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, stakeholders are expected to monitor how both INEC and political parties adjust their strategies in response to the court’s decision.
