ABUJA — The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reinstated the Independent National Electoral Commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections. The unanimous decision delivered on Thursday overturns a Federal High Court ruling that had thrown Nigeria’s electoral calendar into disarray. The verdict restores deadlines for party primaries, candidate submissions, and voter registration. It arrives as former Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina fights deportation in South Africa over disputed citizenship claims.
The appellate court ruled that the Youth Party lacked the legal standing to challenge INEC’s guidelines. Justice Adebukola Banjoko, who prepared the lead judgment, stated the party failed to demonstrate how the electoral timetable harmed its operations. The court also faulted the Federal High Court for entertaining a case it deemed speculative. INEC’s counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyom, argued the lower court denied the commission fair hearing by ignoring its preliminary objections. The Court of Appeal agreed, setting aside the May 20 judgment that had invalidated INEC’s deadlines.
The restored timetable mandates political parties to conduct primaries and submit candidates 120 days before the general election. INEC’s guidelines also require parties to notify the commission 21 days before holding primaries. The Federal High Court had earlier ruled that INEC overstepped its authority by imposing timelines not explicitly stated in the Electoral Act. The appellate court disagreed, affirming INEC’s power to issue subsidiary regulations under the Act. The decision removes a critical legal hurdle as Nigeria prepares for its next electoral cycle.
While INEC regains control of the 2027 election schedule, Chidimma Adetshina’s legal battle in South Africa exposes deeper institutional gaps in citizenship verification. Adetshina, born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, was arrested on June 6 for allegedly overstaying her visa. South African immigration officials claim she was declared a prohibited person in December 2024. Her case stems from a public dispute over her eligibility to compete in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant.
The controversy erupted when South African authorities questioned the authenticity of her mother’s identity documents. Adetshina withdrew from the pageant and later won the Miss Universe Nigeria title. She represented Nigeria at the global Miss Universe competition in Mexico, finishing as first runner-up. Her affidavit submitted in court outlines steps taken to regularise her immigration status. However, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs insists she and her minor son have no legal right to remain in the country.
The parallel legal battles reveal systemic weaknesses in cross-border identity management. Adetshina’s case highlights how African nations struggle with inconsistent citizenship documentation. Nigeria and South Africa lack a unified database to verify dual citizenship claims. This gap forces individuals to navigate conflicting legal frameworks. The situation mirrors challenges INEC faces in maintaining accurate voter registers. Both cases underscore the need for stronger institutional coordination between immigration and electoral bodies.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling also exposes judicial inconsistencies in interpreting electoral laws. The Federal High Court had argued that INEC’s guidelines violated the Electoral Act by imposing deadlines not explicitly stated in the law. The appellate court countered that INEC’s subsidiary regulations carry the force of law. This divergence creates uncertainty for political parties preparing for elections. Legal experts warn that such contradictions could lead to further litigation, delaying critical electoral processes.
INEC has already begun addressing technical vulnerabilities ahead of 2027. Chairman Joash Amupitan met with the British High Commissioner to discuss cybersecurity and election technology. The commission aims to prevent a repeat of the 2023 IReV glitch that disrupted result transmission. Amupitan emphasised the need for international collaboration to combat fake news and disinformation. The restored timetable now allows INEC to proceed with nationwide voter education campaigns and mock presidential polls.
The reinstated election schedule sets a May 10 deadline for party registration. Political parties must submit membership registers and candidate lists by October 2026. The Court of Appeal’s decision reaffirms INEC’s authority to regulate electoral processes. However, the commission remains under pressure to ensure transparency. Civil society groups have called for a full audit of INEC’s systems to prevent technical failures. The 2027 elections will test Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible polls amid rising security threats and legal uncertainties.
