Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared invalid any political party primaries conducted after the May 30 deadline set in its timetable for the 2027 general elections, reinforcing its position on compliance with electoral schedules.
INEC said political parties were required to conclude their primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, by May 30, in line with the commission’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 polls.
The electoral body stated that any primary election held beyond the stipulated date would not be recognised for the purpose of candidate nomination, and urged parties to adhere strictly to established procedures. The commission’s position comes amid growing debate over the legality of some timelines contained in its election schedule following recent court rulings that nullified portions of the timetable relating to party primaries and candidate nominations.
Recently, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that INEC could not lawfully abridge timelines expressly provided under the Electoral Act, 2026, prompting the commission to file an appeal against the judgment.
Despite the legal dispute, INEC has maintained that political parties must comply with electoral regulations and deadlines to ensure orderly preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC had approved April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the window for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general election.
CliqMetro reports that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while governorship and state assembly elections will be held on February 6.