- Martins maintained that although INEC has the responsibility to issue operational guidelines for elections
- He further described the judgment as a significant win for democratic principles, political parties and Nigerians
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has welcomed the Federal High Court ruling that nullified parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the judgment as a boost for democracy and constitutional governance.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the decision followed a judgment delivered on Wednesday by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that INEC acted beyond its powers by reducing timelines already provided under the Electoral Act, 2026, in the revised election schedule.
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The case, filed by the Youth Party and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, challenged sections of the electoral timetable relating to party primaries, candidate nominations, withdrawals and substitutions, release of final candidate lists and campaign schedules.
Justice M.G. Umar, while delivering judgment, ruled that the electoral body lacked the authority to alter or shorten timelines specifically established by law.
Reacting to the verdict, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, said the ruling reinforced the supremacy of the Constitution and existing electoral laws over administrative regulations.
According to him, the court’s decision serves as a reminder that electoral guidelines issued by INEC must remain within the limits of statutory provisions.
Martins maintained that although INEC has the responsibility to issue operational guidelines for elections, such directives cannot override constitutional or legal requirements.
He further described the judgment as a significant win for democratic principles, political parties and Nigerians, urging the electoral commission to strengthen consultations with political stakeholders ahead of future elections.
IPAC also noted that the ruling could help prevent processes that may sideline political parties or aspirants from participating fully in the electoral process.
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