Court Nullifies INEC May 10 Deadline for Party Membership Register Submission Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has nullified guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, which required political parties to submit a comprehensive register and database of members by May 10 as a condition for participation in the polls.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice M.G. Umar, followed a suit instituted by the Youth Party, which challenged the legality of the timeline imposed by the electoral body.
PulseNets learnt that the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the section stipulating that political parties are only required to submit candidates’ particulars within 120 days before an election.
Delivering judgement in the matter, Justice Umar held that the commission lacked the legal authority to shorten the statutory timeframe provided by law for political parties.
“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.
PulseNets reports that the verdict effectively invalidates the earlier May 10 deadline issued by INEC and grants all registered political parties until September to submit updated membership registers and party databases.
The development is expected to reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly for aspirants who may seek to defect to alternative political platforms after losing party primaries in their current parties.
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Political stakeholders believe the judgement could significantly influence party realignments, coalition talks, and internal party negotiations in the months leading to the elections.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will be conducted on February 6, 2027.
