The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is currently embroiled in at least six major court cases that could significantly influence preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The suits, pending before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, challenge various aspects of the commission’s powers, its revised election timetable and the legal status of several political parties.

The litigation comes just months after INEC unveiled its revised timetable for the 2027 polls, under which political parties were required to submit membership registers between March 24 and April 25, conclude primary elections by May 31, while the nomination portal for presidential and National Assembly candidates opened on June 27 and is scheduled to close on July 11.

Under the timetable, campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to commence on August 19, while the presidential election is slated for January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

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 INEC’s Revised Timetable Under Judicial Scrutiny

The most consequential legal challenge is Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, instituted by the Youth Party before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The party challenged several provisions of INEC’s revised timetable, arguing that the commission exceeded its legal authority by introducing timelines that allegedly shortened periods guaranteed under the Electoral Act.

The suit specifically questioned deadlines relating to the submission of membership registers, conduct of party primaries, nomination of candidates, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, as well as the publication of candidates’ particulars.

In its judgment, the Federal High Court ruled that while INEC possesses constitutional authority to organise elections and issue guidelines, it cannot override timelines expressly provided under the Electoral Act. Consequently, the court nullified the disputed portions of the timetable and restrained the commission from implementing them.

INEC has appealed the judgment, maintaining that its election timetable is an integrated programme in which every activity is interconnected and essential for the smooth conduct of elections. According to the commission, removing specific timelines could create uncertainty and disrupt preparations for the 2027 polls.

The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the matter.

A similar challenge was filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026.

The SDP questioned aspects of the revised timetable relating to the nomination and substitution of candidates, arguing that some provisions conflicted with the Electoral Act.

Although the Federal High Court affirmed INEC’s constitutional authority to issue election timetables, it ruled that the commission could not lawfully alter statutory timelines governing candidate nomination and substitution.

INEC has also appealed that judgment, insisting the trial court failed to appreciate the operational realities of election management.

The Court of Appeal has likewise reserved judgment in the matter.

The outcome of both appeals is expected to determine the extent of INEC’s powers to regulate electoral timelines beyond those expressly contained in the Electoral Act.

 Political Parties Challenge Deregistration Orders

Another major legal battle centres on Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC and five political parties.

The suit sought an order compelling INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), alleging they failed to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued registration.

The Federal High Court granted the request and ordered INEC to deregister the affected parties.

However, the Court of Appeal subsequently stayed execution of the judgment pending the determination of appeals filed by the affected political parties, allowing them to retain their legal status for the time being.

The appeals were adjourned until July 14, 2026, to enable parties exchange all relevant court processes.

The eventual decision will determine whether the affected parties remain eligible to sponsor candidates before INEC publishes the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates in September.

Another pending suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, was instituted by Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi against INEC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The plaintiff is challenging the registration of the NDC and asking the court to determine whether the commission complied with constitutional and statutory requirements before recognising the political party.

The matter remains before the Federal High Court, with its outcome expected to determine the party’s legal status ahead of the conclusion of the nomination process.

 Lawyers, INEC Express Confidence Despite Litigation

Legal practitioners have expressed differing views on the impact of the pending cases on the electoral timetable.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ahamba, said the Court of Appeal would likely deliver its judgments within the constitutional timeframe and before the elections, while cautioning against pre-empting the court’s decision.

Another Senior Advocate, Bankole Akomolafe, argued that the litigation was unlikely to derail the electoral process, noting that INEC had acted prudently by continuing to receive nominations while awaiting final court decisions.

According to him, the commission’s approach ensures that no eligible candidate or political party is excluded prematurely, allowing adjustments to be made once the courts deliver their final judgments.

INEC has also reiterated that preparations for the elections remain on course.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission would continue implementing its timetable while complying with any final court orders.

He explained that political party primaries had been concluded and that parties were expected to meet the July 11 deadline for submitting the names of their candidates.

Haruna maintained that although the commission would fully respect judicial pronouncements, it would not suspend preparations based on pending litigation.

With multiple high-profile cases awaiting decisions at the appellate level, the coming weeks are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the legal and administrative framework for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.