RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce a Supreme Court judgment concerning the submission of political parties’ membership registers ahead of primaries, congresses and conventions.
The ruling party requested in a letter dated October 9, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman and jointly signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said the Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party reaffirmed the requirements of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the party, the provision requires political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting their internal electoral processes.
The APC maintained that only individuals whose names appear on duly submitted membership registers are eligible to participate as voters or contestants in party primaries, congresses and conventions.
It urged the electoral commission to ensure that all registered political parties comply with the statutory requirements governing membership registration and internal elections.
The party also called on INEC to verify compliance and apply appropriate sanctions where violations of the law are established.
The APC argued that strict adherence to electoral legislation would strengthen transparency, accountability and internal democracy within political parties.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, the ruling party stressed that the credibility of the electoral process depends partly on how political parties conduct their internal elections and select candidates.
It maintained that enforcing the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act would help prevent irregularities and disputes arising from party membership and candidate nomination processes.
The APC consequently urged INEC to take appropriate steps to implement the Supreme Court judgment and ensure uniform compliance among political parties.
The party said its request was intended to promote respect for judicial decisions, strengthen internal party democracy and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 polls.
