The Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) mandating political parties to submit their membership registers by May 10, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a ruling that has significant implications for the electoral calendar, Justice M.G. Umar held that the directive was inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The court consequently nullified the deadline and ruled that political parties are legally permitted to submit their updated membership registers and particulars of candidates up until September 2026, in line with the extant electoral framework.
INEC had earlier fixed May 10, 2026, as the cut-off date for the submission of party membership registers, a requirement widely seen as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
However, the court’s decision effectively extends the timeline by several months.
The judgment is expected to have political ramifications, particularly as it creates additional room for party realignments and defections by politicians who may have lost out in party primaries, ahead of the 2027 polls.
