A Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the validity of the 2027 general election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while directing the electoral body to amend parts of the schedule to comply fully with the Electoral Act, 2026.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Tuesday in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party against INEC.

The judgment comes days after another Federal High Court judge, Mohammed Umar, reportedly nullified the same timetable in a separate case instituted by the Youth Party, citing violations of provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

In Tuesday’s ruling, Justice Omotosho held that INEC possesses the constitutional authority to issue and adjust election timetables, provided such actions remain consistent with the Constitution and electoral laws.

The court affirmed the legality of INEC’s timetable, including provisions relating to deadlines for political parties to conduct primaries and submit membership registers.

However, the judge ruled that the commission cannot lawfully shorten mandatory timelines prescribed by law.

According to the judgment, INEC cannot reduce the 120-day period stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, for political parties to submit names of candidates before elections.

The court also held that the commission cannot abridge the 90-day period allowed for substitution of candidates under Section 31 of the Electoral Act.

Justice Omotosho consequently ordered INEC to amend the 2027 election timetable and schedule of activities to ensure full compliance with the statutory provisions.

The court further declared invalid the deadlines of August 29, 2026, and September 16, 2026, fixed by INEC for submission of nomination forms for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections, to the extent that they conflict with the Electoral Act.

Despite the partial nullification, the court affirmed that INEC acted within its legal powers in requesting political parties to submit membership registers and in setting timelines for party primaries.

The judgment noted that while the plaintiff succeeded in parts of its claims, the court reaffirmed INEC’s broad authority to organise elections and issue electoral schedules, subject to strict adherence to the law.

The ruling is expected to shape preparations by political parties and INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.