Commission Says Election Activities Are Interconnected and Essential for Credible Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has filed appeals against two Federal High Court judgments that challenged aspects of its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election.
The Commission insists that the activities contained within the election timetable are closely interconnected operational processes that cannot be separated or altered without disrupting the entire electoral calendar and jeopardizing the smooth conduct of elections.
The disclosure was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), during the Commission’s Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.
INEC Challenges Court Decisions
According to Prof. Amupitan, the Commission carefully reviewed the two judgments and has taken the necessary legal steps to seek definitive interpretations from the appellate courts.
The first judgment was delivered on May 20, 2026, in the case involving the Youth Party and INEC. The ruling questioned specific timelines outlined in the Commission’s electoral schedule.
The second judgment, delivered on May 26, 2026, in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), produced a mixed outcome. While the court affirmed INEC’s authority to issue an electoral timetable, it also nullified certain timelines relating to the nomination and substitution of candidates.
Despite the rulings, INEC maintains that the legal questions raised concern the extent of its constitutional and statutory powers in coordinating and regulating electoral activities across the country.
Why the Election Timetable Matters
Prof. Amupitan noted that even the court, in its judgment on the SDP case, acknowledged the importance of a comprehensive election timetable.
According to him, the court observed that an election timetable without clear deadlines for activities such as party membership register submissions, primary elections, and candidate nominations would be incomplete and could create confusion within the electoral process.
INEC argues that election administration involves numerous interconnected activities that must be synchronized within a single framework to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness to all participating political parties.
The Commission emphasized that while the Electoral Act provides timelines for certain activities, several critical electoral processes are not specifically covered by statutory deadlines. As a result, INEC must create operational timelines to ensure the successful execution of elections.
Key Activities Affected by the Timetable
The Commission outlined several crucial electoral activities that rely on a coordinated schedule, including:
– Submission and verification of party membership registers.
– Monitoring political party primaries nationwide.
– Uploading primary election results to designated portals.
– Candidate nomination processes.
– Printing of ballot papers and result sheets.
– Quality assurance and verification procedures.
– Deployment of election materials.
– Recruitment and training of election personnel.
– Voter education and public sensitization campaigns.
– Procurement of sensitive electoral materials.
– Configuration and testing of BVAS machines.
– Compliance with statutory requirements, including allowing political parties to inspect electoral materials as provided under the Electoral Act.
According to INEC, removing or altering timelines for these activities could create uncertainty, administrative bottlenecks, and operational challenges capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Commitment to a Transparent 2027 Election
While the appeals remain before the courts, Prof. Amupitan assured political parties and Nigerians that the Commission remains committed to conducting the 2027 General Election in full compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and all valid judicial pronouncements.
He stressed that INEC’s primary objective remains the delivery of a free, fair, transparent, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
Candidate Nomination Portal to Open June 26
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the Commission announced that official access codes for the Candidate Nomination Portal will be issued to all registered political parties on June 26, 2026.
The portal will enable designated national party officers to upload the names, personal details, and required documentation of nominated candidates.
Prof. Amupitan warned political parties to adhere strictly to the timelines provided, noting that the nomination portal is fully automated and will close automatically once the submission deadline expires.
Looking Ahead
INEC’s decision to challenge the recent court rulings highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between judicial oversight and the Commission’s administrative authority in managing elections.
As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders across Nigeria’s political landscape will be closely watching how the appellate courts interpret INEC’s powers and how those decisions may shape preparations for the highly anticipated 2027 General Election.
For now, the Commission remains focused on maintaining an organized electoral framework designed to ensure certainty, transparency, and efficiency throughout the election cycle.
