APC Gives INEC Fresh Demand Over Supreme Court Judgment Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately enforce a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, concerning the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.

The ruling, delivered in the case involving INEC and the Zenith Labour Party, addresses requirements relating to political parties’ membership registers and eligibility to participate in internal electoral processes.

In a letter dated October 9, 2026, and addressed to the INEC chairman, the APC urged the electoral commission to ensure that all political parties comply with the provisions of the law ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the letter was signed by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.

The ruling reportedly reinforces the statutory requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses and conventions. It also stipulates that only members included in the duly submitted registers are eligible to vote or be voted for during such internal party activities.

The APC called on INEC to verify compliance among political parties and apply the appropriate legal consequences where violations are established. The party stressed that the rules should be enforced fairly and without political bias.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the ruling has drawn attention to the importance of transparency and adherence to electoral laws during party primaries and other internal democratic processes.

Meanwhile, INEC has disclosed that it is reviewing the Supreme Court judgment to determine its implications for political parties and candidates ahead of the next general elections.

The commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, reportedly disclosed this on October 6 while addressing a press conference on INEC’s preparations for the 2027 polls. He explained that the commission had only recently received the certified true copy of the judgment and was examining its provisions.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Sections 77 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026 has also raised questions about the eligibility of some aspirants who moved to other political parties after failing to secure tickets from their former parties.

The issue could have significant implications for candidates seeking to contest the 2027 elections, particularly where compliance with membership registration requirements becomes a determining factor in their eligibility.

With the APC urging immediate enforcement and INEC still reviewing the judgment, attention is now focused on how the electoral commission will interpret and implement the court’s decision before the next election cycle.