2027: Some Said They’ll Be On The Ballot; Now The Door Is Shut For Those Who Didn’t Submit -Maduabuchi

According to a video posted on the official YouTube channel of Arise News on Friday, July 17, 2026, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, said the Court of Appeal’s ruling on INEC’s 2027 election guidelines has significantly changed the political landscape ahead of the general elections.

Speaking during an interview, Maduabuchi stated that the judgment has reinforced INEC’s authority to regulate the electoral process, including setting deadlines for the submission of candidates by political parties. He explained that the ruling has effectively settled questions surrounding the commission’s constitutional powers to organize and supervise elections.

Commenting on the implication of the judgment for political parties, he said, “There are people who said they will be on the ballot. Now, with this judgment today, those who have not submitted their candidates know that the door has been firmly shut.”

According to the senior lawyer, parties that failed to comply with INEC’s deadline now have very limited options. He suggested that their only practical approach would be to seek an extension directly from the electoral commission rather than pursuing another court action.

Maduabuchi maintained that the Court of Appeal’s decision has provided greater legal certainty ahead of the 2027 elections. He added that political parties must comply with INEC’s regulations and timelines to avoid being excluded from participating in the electoral process……See More