The Independent National Electoral Commission has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to challenge a Federal High Court judgment that nullified part of its guidelines for the 2027 general election.

INEC is specifically seeking to overturn the ruling which voided its directive requiring political parties to submit membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026.

Court Ruled Against INEC Guidelines

Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had last week ruled that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose deadlines outside what is already provided under the Electoral Act 2026.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the Youth Party challenging the legality of the commission’s directive.

According to the court, Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act gives political parties up to 120 days before an election to submit candidate particulars, adding that INEC could not shorten the timeline through administrative guidelines.

INEC Heads To Appeal Court

In a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, INEC, through its lawyer, Alex Izinyon, asked the appellate court to set aside the judgment.

The electoral commission also requested an order staying the execution of the Federal High Court ruling pending the determination of the appeal.

The legal dispute is expected to shape preparations and timelines ahead of the 2027 general election as political parties and electoral stakeholders monitor the outcome closely.