The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has reversed a Federal High Court ruling that previously restricted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from implementing specific election guidelines for the 2027 polls. Justice Adebukola Banjoko led the panel that overturned Justice James Omotosho’s earlier decision, confirming that the commission possesses the legal authority to establish procedural rules for national elections.
This appellate ruling follows a challenge initiated by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which had successfully secured certain reliefs at the lower court level. Dissatisfied with these restrictions, INEC appealed to the higher court to reclaim its administrative autonomy. Dr. Alex Izinyon, representing the commission, argued that both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act explicitly empower the electoral body to organize, supervise, and create timelines for political activities.
The appellate court agreed with the commission’s position, citing established legal precedents that confirm INEC’s mandate to oversee all processes surrounding electoral conduct. The decision reinforces the commission’s capacity to regulate pre-election activities and manage the transition toward the 2027 general elections without undue judicial interference.
