Nigerian High Court Orders INEC to Revise 2027 Election Timetable

A federal high court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho (case FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026), ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must amend its timetable for the 2027 general election because key dates breach the Electoral Act 2026. The suit, filed by the Social Democratic Party, challenged INEC’s shortening of the statutory 120‑day period for parties to submit candidate names and the 90‑day period for candidate substitution.

The court declared the deadlines of 29 August 2026 and 16 September 2026 void, ordering INEC to adjust the timetable and schedule of activities to comply with sections 29(1) and 31 of the Electoral Act. INEC has filed an appeal and a motion for a stay of execution.