Yiaga Africa Welcomes Court Judgment Nullifying INEC Timetable

Yiaga Africa has said the Federal High Court in Abuja’s judgment, which nullified key provisions in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, is legally sound.

The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, in an interview with LEADERSHIP, said the verdict reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act 2026 and the principle that subsidiary instruments cannot override or abridge statutory timelines prescribed by the Electoral Act.

“Political parties have a right to assert their rights through the courts, especially where there is a clear perception of injustice. We have consistently raised concerns about the compressed timelines introduced through last-minute amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly.

“These changes appeared designed to shrink political space, disadvantage certain political actors, and impose logistical pressures on INEC. That said, the judgment is legally sound, albeit narrow in scope.

“It reaffirms the supremacy of the Electoral Act 2026 and the principle that subsidiary instruments cannot override or abridge statutory timelines prescribed by the Electoral Act.

“INEC must now engage transparently with stakeholders on its next steps, whether that entails an appeal, compliance with the judgment, or a revision of the timetable.

“Clear communication with political parties and citizens will be critical in sustaining confidence in the process.

“Whatever course the commission chooses must be guided by the imperative of protecting the integrity, inclusiveness, and credibility of the 2027 electoral process, not administrative convenience,” he stated.