Court Nullifies Parts of INEC Election Timetable, Olawepo-Hashim Hails Ruling

A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has applauded a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that voided portions of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and constitutional democracy.

Olawepo-Hashim specifically commended the presiding judge for what he called a courageous decision that checked administrative overreach and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Federal High Court, in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC, held that the electoral commission acted beyond its statutory powers by imposing restrictive timelines on political parties for the conduct of primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the verdict, Olawepo-Hashim stated that he had consistently maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the provisions of the law. He recalled that he had earlier written an open letter to the President warning against actions capable of undermining the Electoral Act.

He noted that his warnings were not heeded at the time, but the judgment had now vindicated his position.

The former presidential candidate described the ruling as timely and necessary, saying it would help safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen democratic governance. He praised the judge for courage and fidelity to justice, adding that the ruling reinforces the supremacy of the law and restores confidence in democratic institutions.

According to reports of the judgment, the court held that INEC lacked the legal authority to fix timelines for party primaries and could not abridge statutory provisions relating to the submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign periods.

The court consequently set aside portions of INEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections that were found to be inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

Olawepo-Hashim urged INEC to comply fully with the judgment and ensure that future electoral guidelines strictly conform to the law.

The ruling is expected to impact preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly among political parties currently conducting primaries and other internal processes nationwide.

The controversy over INEC’s timetable had earlier sparked concerns among political parties and stakeholders, with many arguing that some of the timelines imposed by the commission were inconsistent with the Electoral Act and could limit internal party processes.

Political observers noted that the judgment may compel INEC to review aspects of its electoral guidelines to avoid future legal disputes and ensure compliance with statutory provisions governing elections in the country.