By Peter Omopo
The African Action Congress (AAC) has welcomed a Federal High Court ruling that nullified key aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, describing the decision as a reaffirmation of constitutional order and party autonomy.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party said the judgment delivered by Justice M. G. Umar in Abuja restored confidence in the legal limits of INEC’s regulatory authority over political parties.
The court, in a suit filed by the Youth Party (FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026), voided sections of INEC’s revised election timetable relating to political party primaries, submission of candidates’ details, replacement of candidates, and deadlines for membership registers.
Justice Umar ruled that INEC exceeded its statutory powers by imposing timelines not expressly provided for under the Electoral Act, 2026. While affirming the commission’s role in monitoring primaries and receiving notifications from parties, the court held that it lacks authority to set additional deadlines beyond what the law prescribes.
The affected provisions were part of INEC’s revised schedule released earlier this year ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the ruling, the AAC said the judgment reinforces democratic principles and the supremacy of the constitution over administrative directives.
The party stated that political parties must remain independent institutions rather than operate as “mere appendages” of the electoral body, adding that the ruling serves as a reminder that INEC’s powers are defined and limited by law.
AAC further reiterated its commitment to defending internal party democracy and resisting what it described as institutional overreach in Nigeria’s electoral process.
