By Abigail David

Barely four months after unveiling its revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing a series of legal battles that could significantly shape the country’s electoral process.

At least six cases before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal are challenging INEC’s powers, the legality of its election timetable, and the status of some political parties. The outcomes are expected to determine the commission’s authority under the Electoral Act and decide which political parties will be eligible to participate in the 2027 polls.

Under INEC’s election schedule, political parties have completed their primaries, while the submission of presidential and National Assembly candidates closes on July 11. Campaigns are scheduled to begin on August 19, with presidential and National Assembly elections fixed for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections slated for February 6.

Major Court Battles

The Youth Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) separately challenged aspects of INEC’s revised timetable, arguing that some deadlines conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act.

In both cases, the Federal High Court ruled that while INEC has the constitutional authority to organise elections and issue guidelines, it cannot alter timelines expressly provided by law. Portions of the timetable relating to candidate nomination, withdrawal and substitution were consequently invalidated.

INEC has appealed both judgments, insisting that its election timetable is an integrated framework designed to ensure a smooth electoral process and that removing individual timelines could disrupt preparations for the 2027 elections.

The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in both appeals.

Political Parties Face Deregistration Battle

Another major legal dispute involves a Federal High Court judgment ordering INEC to deregister five political parties—the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord, Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

However, the Court of Appeal has stayed the execution of the judgment pending the determination of appeals filed by the affected parties, allowing them to continue operating for now.

The appeals have been adjourned until July 14, 2026, for further proceedings.

NDC Registration Under Scrutiny

Another pending suit challenges the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with the plaintiff asking the court to determine whether the party was lawfully registered in accordance with constitutional and statutory provisions.

The case remains before the Federal High Court, and its outcome could determine whether the party retains its legal status before the publication of INEC’s final list of candidates.

Experts Warn of Possible Uncertainty

Legal experts and political analysts have cautioned that delays in resolving the pending cases could create uncertainty for political parties and affect preparations for the 2027 elections.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Bankole Akomolafe, said INEC acted prudently by accepting nominations from all political parties while awaiting final court decisions, noting that the commission could later exclude any party affected by court judgments.

Political scientist Prof. Gbade Ojo described the situation as a growing concern, warning that unresolved legal disputes and internal crises within political parties could undermine confidence in the electoral process.

Similarly, Prof. Oluwafemi Obayori of Lagos State University urged the judiciary to conclude all election-related cases well before the polls, stressing that issues affecting the legality of the electoral process should not remain unresolved close to election day.

INEC Remains Confident

Despite the ongoing litigation, INEC says it remains committed to its timetable and will continue preparations unless directed otherwise by the courts.

INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna said political parties have already concluded their primaries and are expected to submit the names of their candidates before the July 11 deadline.

He added that the commission would comply with any court judgment once delivered but would continue implementing its election schedule while awaiting the courts’ final decisions.

According to Haruna, INEC will review any judgment collectively before determining its next course of action, expressing confidence that the judiciary will deliver its rulings in good time to prevent constitutional or electoral complications.

By Abigail David

Peter Obi has said he may not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election, alleging that he and other opposition figures are being systematically frustrated by the current administration.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, a clip of which was shared on Wednesday.

Responding to a question about the possibility of contesting the 2027 election, the former presidential candidate said there was no certainty he would even be alive by then.

According to Obi, his activities have been repeatedly obstructed, alleging that the government is deliberately frustrating everything he does.

While clarifying that he was not making a direct accusation, Obi claimed he experiences constant challenges that he believes are politically motivated.

He further alleged that the treatment extends beyond him to other opposition figures, claiming they are being personally targeted and denied privileges they are entitled to.

The former Anambra State governor cited an incident at an airport where he claimed officials locked his vehicle while other cars parked in the same area were left untouched.

Obi also alleged that some acquaintances now avoid greeting him publicly for fear of being associated with him, while others have discouraged him from attending family events because of concerns over possible repercussions.

He did not provide evidence to support the allegations during the interview.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not responded to Obi’s claims.

By Abigail David

David Umahi has dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi poses a political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Daybreak on Arise Television on Tuesday, the Minister of Works said neither President Tinubu nor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had any reason to fear Obi’s political influence.

Umahi described perceptions of Obi’s political strength as exaggerated, arguing that they were driven more by public hype than electoral reality.

“Even I cannot be scared of Peter Obi, not to talk about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or our party, the APC. Nobody is scared of Peter Obi. He is not a threat to our president,” he said.

The minister also criticised Obi’s record during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State, questioning his performance in infrastructure, industrial development and job creation. He argued that the former governor lacked the moral authority to call on President Tinubu to resign over the country’s current challenges.

Umahi further accused some members of the Obidient movement of intolerance towards opposing views, alleging that critics of Obi were often subjected to insults, threats and legal action.

Defending the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, the minister said the government inherited long-standing structural challenges that could not be resolved within three years. He maintained that ongoing reforms were beginning to yield positive results despite the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians.

According to Umahi, the administration’s investments in infrastructure and other key sectors demonstrate progress, adding that economic recovery requires time.

He also expressed confidence that President Tinubu deserves a second term, insisting that no opposition presidential hopeful has presented a record comparable to that of the current administration.