MIXED REACTIONS TRAIL APPEAL COURT RULING RESTORING INEC TIMETABLE

• Stakeholders fault ruling, warn of legal uncertainty
• INEC hails verdict, cites litigation as key threat to poll preparations
• Court rules today on Wabara BoT suit over PDP leadership crisis
• UK reaffirms support as INEC plans systems audit, mock presidential poll
• Commission considers technology audit to avert repeat of 2023 IReV glitch

Stakeholders have reviewed the Court of Appeal ruling restoring the original timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that the judgment merely compounded the judicial uncertainty surrounding preparations for next year’s election.

The court sitting in Abuja had earlier yesterday set aside a judgment of the Federal High Court that nullified timelines issued by INEC for the conduct of political party primaries and other activities leading to the 2027 general elections.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that INEC acted within its statutory powers in issuing the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the elections.

The court ruled that the timetable constitutes subsidiary legislation under the Electoral Act 2026 and therefore carries the force of law.

The appellate court consequently vacated the May 20 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had declared parts of the timetable invalid following a suit filed by the Youth Party (YP).

The lower court had held that INEC lacked the power to prescribe timelines for party primaries and candidate nomination processes beyond the provisions expressly contained in the Electoral Act 2026.

However, the Court of Appeal disagreed, holding that all deadlines contained in the revised timetable fell within the framework of the Electoral Act and were lawfully issued by the commission.

Welcoming the judgment, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the Court of Appeal’s decision restoring the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections as a significant development for ongoing preparations.

Amupitan spoke in Abuja while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, and members of his delegation during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters.

He said: “I jumped at the news of the Court of Appeal judgment affirming our timetable.”

The INEC boss, however, noted that litigation remains one of the major challenges confronting preparations for the 2027 general elections, saying: “There are challenges arising from several decisions of the courts, but we have, on our own, tried to navigate most of those issues.”

Amupitan’s reaction came as he raised concerns over the impact of litigation on election planning, warning that unresolved legal disputes could pose challenges to preparations for the 2027 polls.

Court cases, he explained, remain one of the risks being monitored by the commission, alongside security concerns, funding constraints, and compressed timelines under the Electoral Act 2026.

“In terms of court cases, we are gradually addressing some of those that we can address because, if they are not properly handled, they can become stumbling blocks to the conduct of the general election. As we speak, there are several cases in court, but we hope that they will be concluded as soon as possible.”

The INEC chairman noted that the commission has continued to adjust its plans in line with judicial pronouncements while ensuring that preparations for the 2027 elections remain on course.

He explained that the Electoral Act 2026 introduced tighter timelines for electoral activities, requiring both political parties and the commission to complete critical processes within shorter periods.

Okechukwu, Ameh disagree on implications of INEC ruling
BUT founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, said the ruling did not catch the opposition parties unawares, pointing out that they had already aligned themselves with the original timetable before the appellate court’s judgment.

He denied insinuations that the ruling party was teleguiding the electoral commission, stressing that most opposition political parties had already outmanoeuvred whatever offside tactics the revised timetable envisaged.

“The opposition parties had already abided by the original timelines, so the Appeal Court ruling has little or no impact whatsoever. They were brilliant and showed caution, thereby beating INEC to it. For me, I am inclined to believe that the judgment was not relevant because all opposition parties had uploaded their candidates.

“Party politics is all about enlightened self-interest. And in elections, parties are always focused on fielding candidates. INEC achieved nothing with the favourable ruling.”

However, the National Secretary of the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ameh, argued that the Appeal Court ruling has far-reaching implications for the forthcoming national election, saying: “This decision raises critical concerns about the balance of power between the electoral umpire, the legislature, and political parties.”

Ameh, who is also a former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), said the judgment effectively sidelines, or renders less operative in practice, aspects of the Electoral Act, arguing that INEC’s administrative guidelines now take precedence in regulating key pre-election activities.

He stated: “This development further entrenches the broad constitutional latitude granted to political parties to regulate their internal affairs with minimal external oversight. While party autonomy is a cornerstone of democratic practice, the ruling risks enabling potential abuses of power.

“Political parties may exploit this wide discretion in candidate selection, congresses, and internal disputes, often without sufficient checks, leading to undemocratic outcomes, favouritism, imposition of candidates, and weakened internal democracy.

“This could undermine public trust in the electoral system, limit genuine competition, and prioritise party hierarchies over broader accountability to voters.”

The CUPP scribe said the judgment ultimately reinforces INEC’s coordinating role but highlights the urgent need for legislative review and stronger judicial safeguards to prevent abuse, ensure compliance with the spirit of the Electoral Act, and promote transparent and inclusive political processes.

“Nigeria’s democracy would benefit from clearer boundaries that protect both institutional authority and the integrity of internal party democracy. Stakeholders, including civil society, opposition parties, and the National Assembly, must engage proactively to address these gaps before the full cycle of 2027 activities intensifies,” he asserted.

Appeal Court verdict could heighten 2027 political tensions, Okunniyi warns
CONVENER of the Movement for Credible Elections, Wale Okunniyi, expressed concern over the Court of Appeal’s decision reinstating the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, warning that the ruling could have far-reaching legal and political implications for the country’s electoral process.

While acknowledging that the judgment restores the validity of the electoral calendar earlier issued by INEC and requires political parties to comply with deadlines for party primaries, candidate nominations, substitutions and other pre-election activities, Okunniyi cautioned that the series of conflicting court decisions on the matter could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the judgment not only restores the election timetable but also reinforces INEC’s constitutional and statutory authority to regulate and coordinate the electoral process through the issuance of timelines and operational guidelines.

He argued that the appellate court’s position, which affirms the commission’s administrative discretion in managing election preparations, could generate controversy among stakeholders.

Okunniyi further stated that the ruling is likely to be challenged at the Supreme Court by interested parties. He alleged that the electoral process was increasingly being influenced by powerful interests, a development he said could undermine democratic principles.

“The ruling could also have practical implications for smaller and emerging political parties, which may have preferred greater flexibility in conducting their internal processes. With the timetable reinstated, all parties will be required to operate within the deadlines set by the commission,” he said.

He added that the decision could also shape political calculations ahead of the polls, particularly in relation to party defections, coalition negotiations and candidate selection processes.

Okunniyi warned that if concerns over electoral fairness and judicial inconsistencies are not adequately addressed, they could fuel public discontent and deepen tensions within the political system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Court to rule today on Wabara BoT suit over PDP leadership dispute
MEANWHILE, the Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver judgment in a suit filed by members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, over the party’s leadership crisis.

The suit, which is before Justice Salim Ibrahim, was instituted by BoT members loyal to the leadership of Kabir Turaki.

The judgment is scheduled to be delivered at 4:00 p.m., with hearing notices already served on the parties.

Justice Ibrahim had, on July 7, reserved judgment after counsel to the parties adopted their processes and presented arguments for and against the suit. He had indicated that the judgment date would be communicated to the parties 24 hours in advance.

The plaintiffs are seeking an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the PDP’s interim National Working Committee (NWC) led by Turaki and reflect it on the commission’s official website.

They also want the court to direct INEC to immediately update its records and publish the interim NWC forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

According to the plaintiffs, the names of members of the Turaki-led NWC were forwarded to INEC in letters dated May 4.

The originating summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche.

The plaintiffs are former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary and former Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; and PDP chieftain Olabode George.

Others are former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; BoT and NEC member, Dame Esther Uduehi; and the PDP.

INEC is the sole defendant in the suit.

However, the PDP faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

UK pledges support as INEC plans systems audit ahead of 2027 polls
RELATEDLY, the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development as the Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed plans to audit its electoral technology infrastructure and conduct a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, made the commitment yesterday during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Montgomery, who was accompanied by Governance Adviser, Dr Matthew Ayibakuro, and Political Counsellor, Greta Morris, said the UK was closely monitoring developments in Nigeria’s electoral process and remained committed to supporting democratic institutions in the country.

The envoy said he and his team sought the meeting to gain a better understanding of INEC’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general polls.

“We have a very strong interest and investment in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Montgomery said.

“I hope you will take our interest in your democratic process as a sign of support, both moral and, in a small way, some practical support that we have been discussing with you in the run-up to 2027.”

He noted that discussions on the 2027 elections featured prominently during the recently concluded National Assembly Open Week, where stakeholders examined constitutional reforms and governance issues.

According to him, Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the UK’s engagement with Africa under the bilateral partnership between both countries covering security, defence, migration, justice and governance.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the United Kingdom as a steadfast and highly valued partner in Nigeria’s democratic development, saying the relationship had evolved beyond election observation and assistance into a broader strategic partnership aimed at strengthening democratic institutions.

“Our objective remains to deliver elections that are credible, transparent, inclusive and reflective of the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Amupitan thanked the UK for its continued support and identified election technology, cybersecurity, voter education, conflict prevention, the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities, and institutional capacity building as areas for deeper cooperation ahead of the 2027 polls.

The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission was considering a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology infrastructure and a mock presidential election to prevent a recurrence of the technical glitches that affected the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2023 presidential election.

He said the commission was exploring the possibility of independently auditing all its technological systems and conducting a simulated presidential election to test the robustness and readiness of its electoral infrastructure before the 2027 polls.

“We are looking at the possibility of having an audit of all our systems ahead of the election and also conducting a mock presidential election. We are trying to see how that can be done,” he said.

The proposed measures follow the controversy that trailed the 2023 presidential election, when the IReV portal failed to upload polling unit presidential election results in real time as promised by the commission.

The failure drew criticism from political parties, election observers and voters, many of whom questioned the transparency of the collation process and the reliability of INEC’s election technology.

In its post-election review released in 2024, INEC attributed the glitch to a configuration problem within the result management system that affected only the upload of presidential election results.

Amupitan said the commission was determined to leave nothing to chance as preparations for the 2027 general election gathered momentum.

Ex-IPAC chairman urges U.S. to monitor entire 2027 electoral process
THIS development came as former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Peter Ameh, welcomed the United States’ expressed intention to monitor Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, urging it to extend its engagement beyond election-day observation to sustained scrutiny of the entire electoral process.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ameh said the effectiveness of the proposed U.S. monitoring would depend on whether it translated into concrete and consistent action rather than “media statements or weak diplomatic gestures.”

He argued that credible international election observation should focus not only on voting day but also on the pre-election environment, where the foundations of free and fair elections are laid.

Ameh expressed concern over what he described as reported actions by the executive branch and its proxies that allegedly restrict the ability of opposition political parties to organise, express their views and participate freely in the political process.

According to him, any international monitoring effort that overlooks such issues before the elections risks legitimising flawed processes instead of strengthening democratic accountability.

“The survival and deepening of Nigeria’s democratic system hinge on peaceful, free and fair elections whose outcomes genuinely reflect the will of citizens expressed through the ballot,” he said.

Ameh maintained that credible elections would require persistent and transparent monitoring throughout the electoral cycle while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He added that although Nigeria’s democracy must ultimately be strengthened by Nigerians, international partners with significant influence have a legitimate role in promoting transparency and discouraging actions that undermine democratic norms.

According to him, the United States possesses considerable global influence and the capacity to support credible elections if it remains committed to the principles of fairness and democratic accountability.

The former IPAC chairman further alleged that the current administration had shown little willingness to allow opposition political parties to operate freely without interference, urging the U.S. and other international partners to begin sustained engagement well ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also called on the international community to consistently raise concerns where necessary, engage relevant Nigerian stakeholders and apply diplomatic pressure whenever democratic standards are threatened.