Appeal Court Restores INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable, Overturns High Court Ruling

Appeal Court Restores INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable, Overturns High Court Ruling The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reinstated the Independent National Electoral Commission’s INEC timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, overturning an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court that had invalidated key aspects of the electoral calendar. In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday by a three-member panel, the appellate court ruled in favour of INEC, holding that the electoral body acted within its constitutional and statutory powers when it issued timelines to guide political parties and other stakeholders in preparation for the 2027 elections. The ruling sets aside the Federal High Court’s judgment of May 20, which had declared portions of INEC’s timetable unlawful after a suit filed by the Youth Party. The lower court had found that the commission exceeded its legal authority by prescribing deadlines for party primaries and other pre-election activities. However, the Court of Appeal disagreed, affirming that INEC has the constitutional responsibility to regulate and coordinate the electoral process through the issuance of schedules and timelines necessary for the orderly conduct of elections. The decision removes the uncertainty that had surrounded preparations for the 2027 general elections following conflicting court judgments, allowing INEC to continue implementing its electoral timetable. The commission had previously warned that the High Court ruling could disrupt preparations for the polls if not overturned. Unless the judgment is further appealed to the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal’s decision restores the legal foundation for INEC’s 2027 election timetable and enables the commission to proceed with its planned electoral activities without the restrictions imposed by the earlier High Court ruling.