Fresh Tension Ahead Of 2027 Polls As Supreme Court Ruling Puts Candidates Under Scrutiny

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may review some candidates listed for the 2027 general elections following the Supreme Court’s decision restoring key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The Supreme Court, on September 24, 2026, unanimously reinstated Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act after allowing INEC’s appeal against an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that had voided the provisions. The apex court ruled that the disputed provisions were not inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

The restored provisions concern political parties’ membership registers and the procedures for nominating candidates for elections. In particular, the membership-register provisions impose requirements on parties regarding the register submitted to INEC and its use during primaries and other party activities.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the ruling has created uncertainty for some political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly those whose nominations could be affected by the restored provisions.

INEC is expected to state its position on the implications of the judgment at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, in Abuja. Sources within the commission said its legal team and management have been reviewing the judgment, including the membership registers submitted by political parties.

The development could have implications for candidates whose names were not included in the relevant party membership registers within the period prescribed by the law.

The issue has also generated concern within some political circles in Ondo State, where supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are reportedly considering alternative political strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

A party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity reportedly claimed that some members of the governor’s camp were considering supporting African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates in National Assembly elections instead of certain APC candidates.

The source linked the development to disputes surrounding party membership registers and the potential impact of the Supreme Court judgment on candidates sponsored by the APC.

The party chieftain alleged that some supporters of the governor had already resolved to oppose certain APC National Assembly candidates, while considering backing candidates from the ADC as an alternative.

However, the reported political calculations remain subject to INEC’s interpretation and implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.

The Supreme Court ruling has intensified attention on the legal requirements governing party membership registers and candidate nominations as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections. INEC’s forthcoming position is expected to provide greater clarity on whether and how the restored provisions will affect candidates whose nominations have already been submitted.