The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has nullified portions of the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections, ruling that several deadlines imposed on political parties were inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 filed by the Youth Party challenging INEC’s authority to prescribe timelines for party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Under the now-invalidated timetable, political parties were directed to submit membership registers by May 10 and conclude party primaries, candidate withdrawals and substitutions before the end of May.

INEC had introduced the deadlines partly to discourage aspirants who lost party primaries from defecting to other parties to contest the same offices.

Delivering judgment, Justice Mohammed Umar held that INEC lacked the statutory authority to abridge timelines already guaranteed under the Electoral Act, 2026.

The court ruled that the commission could not lawfully impose shorter deadlines than those expressly provided by law regarding party primaries, candidate submissions, substitutions, publication of final candidate lists and campaign periods.

Justice Umar specifically held that Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 allows political parties to submit particulars of candidates not later than 120 days before an election, adding that INEC could not legally shorten that timeframe through administrative guidelines.

Similarly, citing Section 31 of the Electoral Act, the court ruled that political parties retain the right to withdraw and replace candidates up to 90 days before elections and that INEC lacked powers to impose earlier deadlines.

The court also ruled that the commission could not publish final candidate lists earlier than the 60-day minimum period stipulated under Section 32 of the Electoral Act.

Justice Umar further declared:

“The timeframe imposed by INEC on political parties to conduct their primaries, submit, withdraw and replace names and particulars of their candidates for the 2027 general elections is inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and it is hereby set aside.”

The court subsequently issued an order nullifying all aspects of INEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election found to be inconsistent with the Electoral Act.

Reacting to the judgment, former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim described the ruling as a victory for constitutional order, rule of law and democratic governance.

Hashim said he had repeatedly warned against actions capable of undermining the Electoral Act and praised the court for what he called a courageous decision against administrative overreach.

“I have consistently argued that INEC must act within the confines of the Electoral Act. Unfortunately, those warnings were not heeded. This judgment has now vindicated that position,” he said.

He further commended Justice Umar for reaffirming the supremacy of the law.

“I commend Justice M.G. Umar for his courage and fidelity to justice. This is a sound judgment that reinforces the supremacy of the law and restores confidence in our democratic institutions,” Hashim added.

The former presidential aspirant also urged INEC to comply fully with the judgment and ensure that future electoral guidelines strictly align with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Legal analysts say the ruling could significantly reshape preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly regarding party primaries, candidate management and electoral timelines across Nigeria’s political landscape.