The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a political association known as the Wisdom Party (WP), just 88 days before the 2027 presidential election.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the case lacked merit and had become academic.The suit was filed on April 14, 2026, by Chief Mrs Chinasa Nwekeke, who described herself as the pro tem National Chairman of the Wisdom Party.
She sued INEC alone, arguing that the commission’s failure to object to the association’s name, symbol and logo within 90 days of receiving its letter of intent amounted to approval.
Nwekeke also challenged INEC’s power to charge an administrative fee for processing party registration applications. She claimed the fee was unreasonable, inconsistent with the Electoral Act 2022, and that INEC’s failure to provide its account details for payment effectively waived the requirement. She asked the court to compel INEC to accept the association’s formal registration application.
INEC opposed the suit. Through its lawyer, Segun Bello, the commission argued that the letter of intent was invalid because it did not include a party symbol. It further noted that the general elections are scheduled for January 2027, meaning any registration process would fall short of the required 12-month window before the polls.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that INEC is legally entitled to charge administrative fees for party registration. He observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission Fund can receive revenues, including fees, and that receiving funding from the Federation Account does not prevent the commission from charging for certain services.
He compared the situation to courts that still collect filing fees despite being funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.“There is no express prohibition on the defendant to refrain from fixing administrative fees,” the judge stated.
“Consequently, I hold that the defendant has powers to fix administrative fees for the purpose of registration of political parties.”He concluded that the plaintiff’s claims were without merit and that the suit had become academic. The case was therefore dismissed.
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