The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to overturn a Federal High Court judgement that nullified part of its guidelines for the 2027 general election.
Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja had last week struck down INEC’s directive requiring political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as a condition for participating in the 2027 polls.
The suit was filed by the Youth Party, which challenged the legality of the electoral body’s directive.
In his judgement, Justice Umar held that INEC lacked the legal authority to shorten the timeline stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.
However, in a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN), asked the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s judgement.
The electoral commission also requested an order staying the execution of the judgement pending the determination of the appeal.
