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Court Affirms INEC’s Power To Issue Election Timetable, Schedule Of Activities
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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, has affirmed the power of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue timetable for elections and alter it as it deems fit.
Justice Omotosho also held that the 2027 election timetable issued by INEC was valid and legally issued, “stating timeframe within which political parties are to hold their primaries and stating timeframe for the submission of membership registers of political parties.”
Justice Omotosho made the declaration while delivering a judgement in a suit filed by the Social Democratic Party against INEC.
The SDP had, in the originating summons filed on April 9, posed five questions for determination.
One of the questions was “whether having regard to Sections 82 and 84(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant’s powers to receive notices, attend, observe and monitor party primaries extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties must conduct their primaries.”
The plaintiff, therefore, sought seven reliefs, including an order of perpetual injunction restraining the electoral umpire from enforcing any timelines inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.
It also prayed the court to declare that “the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or vary the 120 days statutory period in section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 by its timetable or press release dated 27th March, 2026.”
But INEC, in its defence, stated that its powers are not limited to receiving notices and attending primary elections, but to organise and supervise elections and issue timetables to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act.
It stated that the timetable so issued would not interfere with the internal affairs of the plaintiff (SDP) and that the primaries of the SDP are yet to start.
It further argued that its timetable released did not conflict with the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act and same did not bridge the timeline of the party.
INEC, which argued that the suit was premature and academic, urged the court to dismiss it.
Delivering Judgment, Justice Omotosho said that though the law is trite that a subsidiary legislation must not be at variance with the principal act, INEC is empowered to issue subsidiary legislation such as election timetable pursuant to Section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The issuance of a timetable is to give effect to the Electoral Act especially with all its various timelines.
“The nature of the timetable ensures order and proper arrangement in the activities of political parties in the lead up to elections.
“Election timetable is a chain of events or actions stating from timeframe for the submission of membership register of political parties to be used for the purpose of the primaries and the election, timeframe for primaries and eventually gets to the real voting.
The judge held that Election timetable is not only the date for voting but preparatory steps – which are conditional to valid election and nominations must be included in election timetable.
“Election timetable without date for submission of parties’ membership register, timeframe for primaries, etc is inchoate.”
Justice Omotosho held that without the timetable, there would be chaos in our Electoral system.
“This court is therefore convinced that the defendant is empowered by the Electoral Act to issue timetables for elections, Justice Omotosho added.
“To further buttress this, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the grundnorm of all laws in Nigeria alluded to this under Section 285(14) of the Constitution (as amended).”
The judge said on the issue of the timeframe for the substitution and withdrawal of ‘nominated candidates, it is provided for under Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“A candidate may withdraw his candidature by notice in writing signed by him together with a sworn affidavit delivered personally by the candidate to the political party that nominated him for the election and the political party shall convey such withdrawal and the sworn affidavit to the commission not later than 90 days to the election.”
According to the judge, from the above, political parties are by law allowed the liberty to submit the withdrawal and sworn affidavit to the defendant not later than 90 days to the election.
“The defendant in the revised timetable however stipulated the 22nd of August, 2026 and 19th September, 2026 as the date for candidates for Presidential and National Assembly elections and Governorship and House of Assembly.
“These dates are far larger than the 90 days allowed by the Electoral Act, 2026.
“This means that the timetable has reduced the timeframe for parties to submit withdrawal to the defendant.
“The defendant therefore acted ultra vires its powers by reducing the time allowed by political parties to convey withdrawals and sworn affidavit to the deferidant contrary to the 90 days stipulated by the Electoral Act, 2026.
“In the final analysis, the defendant is empowered by law to issue timetable for elections but it must do so in compliance with the time frames in the Electoral Act 2026.
“Therefore, the claims of the plaintiff (SDP) succeeds in part,” the judge held.
Justice Omotosho, consequently, declared that the suit was not statute barred contrary to INEC’s submission as the March 27 press statement originated the action, having been filed on April 9.
He declared that the election timetable is a chain of events or actions which include submission of membership register of political parties to be used for the purpose of primaries and fix timeframes within which political parties are to organise their primary elections for the purpose of the stated 2027 election.
The judge declared that INEC is empowered by the 1999 constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026 to issue timetable for elections and to even alter same as it deems fit.
Justice Omotosho, however, held that the timetable must comply strictly with the timeframes in the Electoral Act, 2026.
In His words: “This honourable court hereby declare that the defendant is also empowered to alter the timetable for the ultimate aim of giving effect to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Electoral Act.
“This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant cannot lawfully abridge or vary the 90 days period for substitution of candidates under Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant cannot abridge the time stipulated in Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 given to political parties to submit the names of their candidates at feast 120 days to the date of election.
“This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant is hereby ordered to amend the Election Timetable 2027 and Schedule of Activities in compliance with Sections 29 (1) & 31 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
” This honourable court hereby declared that the defendant requesting for membership register of political parties and giving timeframe within which to conduct primaries is not ultra vires the powers of the defendant.
“This honourable court hereby declared that the deadline of 29’th August, 2026 and 16th September, 2026 fixed for political parties to submit nomination forms for candidates for Presidential and National Assembly Elections, as well as Governorship and House of Assembly Elections, is void to the extent of its Inconsistences with the clear provisions of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.”
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has said the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada, is not another diplomatic jamboree but a strategic platform to attract investment, create jobs and increase foreign exchange inflows into Nigeria.
Enikanolaiye stated this on Monday while speaking with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly before departing for Canada as part of the Federal Government delegation to the four-day conference.
The minister was responding to concerns that similar international engagements in the past had produced limited tangible results and amounted to little more than jamborees.
He said the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy approach, anchored on Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, was focused on measurable economic outcomes.
“This administration does not travel for jamborees. We travel for results. Mr. President has mandated a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, because NIDEC 2026 is a deal room for Nigeria’s growth,” the minister said.
According to Enikanolaiye, the presence of senior Canadian officials, including the President of the Treasury Board, Hon. Shafqat Ali, and ministers from Ontario, will provide an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria-Canada economic relations.
He said discussions will focus on new trade agreements, partnerships involving small and medium-sized enterprises and improved market access for Nigerian products in North America.
The minister also said the composition of the Nigerian delegation was deliberately designed to attract investment and generate economic opportunities at both federal and state levels.
He said the participation of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Nigeria Revenue Service would enable Nigeria to present opportunities and incentives for diaspora investment, export expansion and remittance-backed investment vehicles.
Enikanolaiye said the initiative is expected to contribute to increased foreign exchange inflows while supporting job creation in Nigeria.
He also highlighted the participation of five state governors from Anambra, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau and Zamfara, saying their presence would help decentralise investment opportunities beyond Abuja.
According to him, the governors would directly engage potential investors on projects in infrastructure, agriculture, technology and mining within their respective states.
The minister said the conference would also support technology and skills transfer, with the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, part of the delegation.
He said Nigeria will use the platform to explore partnerships in digital innovation, fintech and information technology capacity building as part of efforts to accelerate the country’s digital economy.
On diaspora engagement, Enikanolaiye said NIDEC 2026 was designed to connect investment-ready Nigerian projects with Nigerians in the diaspora and other high-net-worth investors.
He said the conference will also provide an opportunity for the government to strengthen its relationship with Nigerians abroad and address some of the challenges they face when seeking to invest in the country.
The minister noted that Nigeria received more than $20 billion in diaspora remittances last year, stressing the need to convert a significant portion of the funds into productive investments.
“NIDEC 2026 is designed to convert that goodwill into equity, into factories, and into businesses that employ Nigerians,” he said.
Enikanolaiye described the conference as a practical expression of Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and assured prospective investors that the country was ready for business.
“NIDEC 2026 is economic diplomacy in action. Nigeria is open for business. And we are going to Toronto to close deals,” he stated.
The four-day NIDEC 2026, themed “INVEST NIGERIA, THRIVE ABROAD”, will take place from August 12 to 15, 2026, in Toronto, Canada.
The conference is organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the conference would serve as a platform for connecting global capital with bankable investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Popular singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called on United States President Donald Trump to pay attention to the situation in Osun State ahead of the upcoming governorship election, citing concerns over tension and possible violence.
In a post on X on Tuesday addressed to Trump, Davido drew the US president’s attention to developments in Osun State as the state prepares for the election.
The singer expressed concerns over growing tension and the possibility of violence, intimidation or disruption of the democratic process, stressing that residents of Osun State deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully and without fear.
Davido appealed to the United States and the international community to pay close attention to the election and urged relevant authorities to ensure that every voter is protected and every vote is respected.
He stressed the need to prevent bloodshed and intimidation, while calling for peace, transparency and a free and fair election.
He wrote, “A CALL FOR ATTENTION TO PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
“President Donald Trump, I am calling your attention to the situation in Osun State, Nigeria, as we approach the election.
“There are growing concerns about tension and the possibility of violence, intimidation, or disruption of the democratic process. Osun people deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully, and without fear.
“I appeal to the United States and the international community to pay close attention to the election and encourage all relevant authorities to ensure that every voter is protected and every vote is respected.
“We do not want bloodshed. We do not want intimidation.
We want peace, transparency, and a free and fair election. @realDonaldTrump”
The details of three suspected members of the kidnapping gang accused of abducting worshippers during an attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been revealed following their arrest by security operatives.
The suspects were identified as Aliyu Mohammed, Usman Mohammed and Babuga Usman.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters gathered that Babuga Usman was killed during an alleged gun battle.
The three men were arrested during a joint security operation involving operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies following the August 2, 2026 attack on the Catholic church.
The operation also led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, $1,000 and ₦785,900 allegedly belonging to the criminal syndicate.
Recall that on Monday that troops of the Nigerian Army and DSS operatives under Operation UDO KA had arrested a suspected commander of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Enugu State and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and cash.
Although, the military authority didn’t reveal the identity of the suspects in the statement, the arrest followed the abduction of worshippers in Udi Local Government Area on August 2.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said an earlier operation had resulted in the neutralisation of one member of the syndicate and the arrest of another suspect.
According to Ayeni, information obtained from the arrested suspect enabled security operatives to track the fleeing commander.
“Acting on the intelligence, troops intensified their manhunt and eventually tracked, intercepted, and arrested the syndicate commander as he attempted to flee Enugu State,” he said.
The arrested suspect subsequently led troops to the gang’s hidden armoury inside Umuchingu Ujenike Forest in Udi.
“During the follow-up operation, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the forest hideout,” the Army said.
The military said preliminary investigations indicated that the arrested kingpin was linked to several high-profile kidnapping operations across the South-East and North-Central regions.
The development also comes after the remaining victims of the August 2 attack, including seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, were rescued by security agencies.
The Enugu State government said all the kidnapped victims were recovered alive and without injuries.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, had disclosed this while parading the arrested suspects at the DSS office in Enugu on Monday night.
Onyia said the victims had identified the arrested suspects as the men responsible for their abduction, but didn’t disclosed their identities.
He also disclosed that ransom was paid during the rescue operation but insisted that the money was used as bait as part of a broader strategy to track the kidnappers.
The kidnapped victims were all recovered and they have been returned safe. None of them lost their lives or were harmed,” Onyia said.
According to him, the security agencies prioritised the safety of the victims throughout the operation.
“Part of what was used was the ransom amount as bait, as part of our strategy. That was not the only strategy,” he said.
Onyia said all the ransom money paid had subsequently been recovered following the arrest of the suspects.
“So yes, ransoms were paid but they have all been recovered completely. They were used strictly as strategy and we have it and nobody was killed,” he said.
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