Defecting Politicians Get Lifeline as Court Voids INEC Membership Register Deadline

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has nullified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of requirements for participation in the 2027 general elections.

Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgement on Thursday in a suit instituted by the Youth Party, which challenged the legality of the electoral body’s deadline.

In the judgement, the court held that INEC could not lawfully shorten the statutory timeframe already provided under the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party registers and candidates’ particulars.

According to the court, Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act clearly stipulates that political parties are required to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days before the date of an election.

Justice Umar ruled that the electoral commission exceeded its powers by attempting to impose an earlier deadline outside the provisions of the law.

“A Declaration is made that having regards to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, the Defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter time frame in its 2027 elections,” the court stated.

The judgement effectively gives all registered political parties until September 2026 to submit updated registers and databases of their members for the 2027 elections.

The ruling is also expected to significantly impact the political landscape ahead of the elections, especially for politicians seeking to defect from one political party to another after losing primary elections within their parties.

Analysts believe the decision creates additional room for political realignments and last-minute defections before the official submission period expires.

INEC had earlier fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The judgement is likely to generate fresh debates among political parties, legal experts and electoral stakeholders over the extent of INEC’s powers in regulating timelines ahead of general elections.