The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgement of the federal high court in Abuja nullifying the timelines issued for the conduct of party primaries and the nomination of candidates.
The commission on Monday, April 25, filed a notice of appeal and a motion for stay of execution of the judgement of the lower court.
INEC had directed political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as a condition for participation in the 2027 elections.
Last Wednesday, a federal high court in Abuja nullified the timelines issued by INEC for the conduct of party primaries and the nomination of candidates.
The suit challenging the directive was filed by the Youth Party, which questioned the legality of the commission’s guidelines.
In its judgement, Justice Muhammed Umar held that INEC could not lawfully reduce the timeline already provided 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, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN), asked the appellate court to overturn the judgement delivered by the lower court.
The electoral commission also urged the court of appeal to grant a stay of execution of the judgement pending the determination of the appeal.