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.