NEWS
Court Voids INEC’s May 10 Deadline for Party Membership Register Submission Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has nullified the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission requiring political parties to submit the register and database of all their members by May 10 as a condition for participation in the 2027 general elections.
The landmark judgement, delivered on Thursday by Justice M.G. Umar, followed a suit instituted by the Youth Party challenging the legality of the electoral guidelines issued by the electoral umpire.
In the suit, the Youth Party argued that INEC’s directive contradicted the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the statutory timeline granted to political parties for the submission of party registers and candidates’ particulars ahead of elections.
Delivering judgement, Justice Umar held that the electoral commission lacked the powers to shorten timelines already guaranteed by law. The court maintained that the Electoral Act clearly stipulates the period within which political parties are expected to comply with pre-election requirements.
“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 judgement stated.
The ruling effectively invalidates INEC’s earlier May 10 deadline and grants all registered political parties up until September to submit updated membership registers and databases.
Political observers believe the judgement could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as it opens a wider window for politicians dissatisfied with outcomes of party primaries to defect to alternative political platforms in pursuit of their ambitions.
The development is expected to trigger renewed political realignments across major parties as aspirants and stakeholders continue consultations ahead of the crucial elections.
Meanwhile, the presidential and National Assembly elections have been scheduled to hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are fixed for February 6, 2027.