By Our Reporter, Abuja 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday set aside a Federal High Court judgment that had struck down key portions of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s electoral guidelines and timetable for the 2027 general elections.

In a unanimous decision, the appellate court held that the Youth Party, the plaintiff in the suit, lacked the requisite locus standi to challenge the guidelines.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, which was read by Justice Okon Abang, said the party failed to demonstrate any specific injury or direct impact on its operations, particularly regarding the conduct of primaries or the submission of candidate names.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, erred in its May 20, 2026 decision.

That ruling had nullified aspects of INEC’s timetable, including deadlines for party primaries and early submission of membership registers and candidate particulars, on the grounds that they conflicted with provisions of the Electoral Act.

INEC had contested the lower court’s decision, arguing through its counsel that it amounted to a miscarriage of justice and that the commission was denied a fair hearing on its preliminary objections.

With the judgment, the Court of Appeal effectively restored INEC’s electoral guidelines and timetable for the 2027 polls.

The ruling clears the way for political parties to comply with the commission’s schedule for primaries, submission of membership registers, and nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.