The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raised concerns that recent court decisions affecting parts of its 2027 election timetable could create challenges for the planning and conduct of the general elections.
The commission disclosed this during its Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of registered political parties. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the electoral body had already filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments that questioned aspects of its election schedule.
According to him, the commission carefully reviewed both decisions and decided to seek further interpretation from appellate courts regarding its constitutional and legal authority to organize and regulate election activities across the country.
One of the rulings was delivered on May 20, 2026, in a case brought by the Youth Party, while the second judgment came on May 26, 2026, following a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party. Although the court affirmed INEC’s power to issue an election timetable, parts of the schedule relating to candidate nomination and substitution procedures were affected by the ruling.
INEC maintained that its election timetable is designed as a complete framework in which every stage is connected to another. The commission argued that removing or altering certain parts of the schedule could affect the smooth coordination of election preparations and create uncertainty for political parties and other stakeholders.
Amupitan explained that election planning involves far more than setting dates. He said the timetable serves as a guide for a wide range of activities that must be completed before Nigerians go to the polls.
These activities include the submission and verification of party membership registers, monitoring party primaries, uploading primary election results, candidate nominations, printing election materials, training election personnel, voter education campaigns, procurement of sensitive materials, deployment logistics and the configuration of election technology.
He noted that while some election timelines are clearly stated in the Electoral Act, many other important processes are not directly specified by law but must still be included in a workable schedule to ensure elections are conducted successfully.
The INEC chairman said all these activities depend on one another and must operate within a coordinated timetable. He warned that separating parts of the schedule could weaken administrative planning and create confusion during the election process.
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, Amupitan assured political parties and Nigerians that the commission remains focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections. He said INEC would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities while respecting court decisions and pursuing legal clarification through the appeals process.
He added that the commission remains committed to conducting credible elections in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all binding judicial decisions. According to him, the appeals are aimed at obtaining clarity that will help preserve a stable and workable framework for election planning across the country.