Appeal Court Validates INEC Guidelines For 2027 Elections

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has restored INEC’s guidelines for the 2027 general election, setting aside a Federal High Court judgment that had nullified them.

The ruling reverses the earlier decision covered by NaijaTrend here, where the lower court held that INEC could not shorten timelines set by the Electoral Act.

In the latest judgment, the appellate court held that the Youth Party, which filed the case against INEC, did not have the legal standing to bring the action. The court said the party failed to show how the guidelines affected it or its members in nominating candidates for the 2027 polls.

Daily Post reported that Justice Adebukola Banjoko delivered the lead judgment, while Channels TV reported that the decision was unanimous. The appellate court voided the May 20 Federal High Court judgment and dismissed the case.

The ruling means INEC’s disputed election guidelines remain in force unless the matter is taken further on appeal.

Sources: Daily Post, Channels TV