Federal Court Extends Party Membership Deadline to September 2026

A Federal High Court in Abuja extended the deadline for political parties to submit membership registers to September 2026. The ruling affects preparations for the 2027 general elections, which include presidential and National Assembly contests on January 16 and governorship and state assembly elections on February 6.

The court nullified guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission that required parties to submit registers and databases by May 10. Justice Muhammed Umar held that INEC could not shorten the timeline set by Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.

The Youth Party had challenged the directive in court. The judgment stated that parties must submit candidates' personal particulars at least 120 days before an election and that INEC cannot lawfully reduce that statutory period.

A civil society group described the ruling as legally sound but narrow in scope. The group said the verdict reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act and that subsidiary instruments cannot override statutory timelines. The group noted concerns about compressed timelines introduced through recent amendments to the Electoral Act.

It urged INEC to engage transparently with stakeholders on next steps, including possible appeal or timetable revision.

The African Democratic Congress welcomed the decision.

In a statement, the party said the ruling addressed its earlier objections to strict timelines for membership registration and party primaries. The party added that it expects to see increased movement between parties in the coming days. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre also welcomed the judgment and called for full compliance with the Electoral Act.