Factsheet Part 9 examines the constitutional election window, key Electoral Act 2026 deadlines, and INEC’s operational choices for the 2027 general elections.
The factsheet is especially relevant in light of recent reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified key aspects of INEC’s revised 2027 timetable, including timelines relating to party primaries, nominations, withdrawals, substitutions and publication of final candidate lists. The Court was reported to have held that INEC could not abridge timelines expressly provided under the Electoral Act 2026, while INEC has indicated that it will review the decision before taking further action. Against this background, the factsheet provides useful context for understanding the legal, political and administrative issues now shaping debate around the 2027 electoral calendar.
Factsheet Part 10 examines how the Electoral Act 2026 changes the treatment of candidate qualification disputes by removing qualification as a ground for post-election petitions and placing greater emphasis on pre-election litigation. Under the new framework, qualification issues are now expected to be challenged primarily by aspirants through pre-election suits, particularly where false information is alleged in nomination documents. This means that rival candidates and political parties may no longer have a clear post-election route to question a returned candidate’s qualification, even where serious concerns emerge after the election.
Download the full factsheets via these links:
- Part 9: The 2027 Electoral Calendar: Legal Timelines, Administrative Choices and Implications
- Part 10: Candidate Qualification in the Electoral Act 2026: From Post-Election Petitions to Pre-Election Scrutiny
PLAC Production: Voices from the National Assembly on the Special Seats Bill
As conversations around women’s political representation continue ahead of the 2027 elections, lawmakers are lending their voices to the call for more inclusive democratic participation. In this video series, members of the House of Representatives share their perspectives on the Special Seats Bill, its relevance to Nigeria’s democracy, and why stronger representation for women in elective office remains an important reform issue.
WATCH: Some young Legislators Speak on the Special Seats Bill
- Hon. Bello El-Rufai: https://youtu.be/SRA_0EpILGw
- Hon. Kabiru Amadu: https://youtu.be/ItKU9P6rhLc
- Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala: https://youtu.be/Kg4kBYIQ8Pk