2027: Court Gives INEC 48 Hours to Upload APC Candidate’s Substitution

A Federal High Court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the name of a candidate substituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) within 48 hours, following a ruling on a dispute arising from the party’s nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court held that the electoral commission should comply with the provisions governing candidate substitution after determining that the applicant had established a legal basis for the request. The order directs INEC to update its records within the stipulated timeframe to reflect the party’s substitution.

The case stemmed from disagreements over the APC’s nomination process, with the affected parties seeking judicial intervention to determine the rightful candidate to represent the party in the forthcoming election.

Legal practitioners say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s critical role in resolving pre election disputes and ensuring that political parties comply with electoral laws governing candidate nomination and substitution.

INEC has consistently maintained that while political parties are responsible for nominating their candidates, the commission is bound to act in accordance with valid court orders and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Political analysts note that disputes over candidate substitution have become a recurring feature of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly during party primaries and the lead up to general elections. They argue that adherence to internal party rules and electoral regulations would help reduce litigation and strengthen confidence in the democratic process.

The judgment is expected to influence preparations for the 2027 elections as political parties continue to conduct internal processes and resolve nomination disputes through legal channels where necessary.

Stakeholders have called on all political parties to ensure transparency, fairness and compliance with the law during candidate selection to avoid prolonged legal battles that could affect electoral timelines.