By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim has praised a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that nullified portions of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Hashim described the judgment delivered by Justice M. G. Umar as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, reportedly held that the electoral commission exceeded its statutory powers by imposing timelines on political parties for primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to reports of the judgment, the court ruled that INEC lacks the authority to abridge provisions relating to party primaries, submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign periods as provided under the Electoral Act, 2026. Reacting to the decision, Hashim said he had previously warned against actions that could undermine the Electoral Act, including in an open letter addressed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the judgment as timely and said it would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Hashim also urged INEC to comply fully with the ruling and ensure that future electoral guidelines align with the law.
