The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately enforce a Supreme Court judgment on political parties’ membership registers, warning that failure to comply with the law could affect parties’ ability to field candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The party made the request in a letter dated October 9, 2026, addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan. The letter was signed by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.

The appeal follows the Supreme Court’s September 24, 2026, decision in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which restored disputed provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 concerning membership registers and the nomination of candidates for elective positions. The ruling overturned an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had invalidated Sections 77(5) to 77(7) and Section 84(2) of the Act. (Premium Times)

In its letter, the APC argued that INEC, having appealed the earlier ruling, was constitutionally required to give effect to the Supreme Court’s decision under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The party urged the commission to establish whether all political parties had complied with the statutory requirements for submitting their membership registers before conducting primaries, congresses and conventions.

Under Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, political parties are required to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before the relevant primary election, congress or convention.

Section 77(5) provides that only members whose names appear on the register submitted to the commission are eligible to vote or be voted for in those internal party processes. Section 77(6) prohibits parties from using a different register in place of the one submitted to INEC.

The APC also pointed to Section 77(7), arguing that the Supreme Court’s interpretation means a political party that fails to meet the digital membership register requirement could be prevented from fielding candidates in the general election where the statutory conditions for that consequence are established.

The party asked INEC to verify compliance by every political party and apply the consequences prescribed by law to any violations established. It also called on the commission to ensure that party primaries and other internal electoral processes use the appropriate membership register.

According to the APC, the provisions are intended to strengthen internal party democracy by making the participation of members in candidate selection more transparent and verifiable.

The party further argued that the legal framework is supported by Section 228(a) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to make laws aimed at ensuring internal democracy within political parties. It also cited the judicial decision in Ardo v. Nyako in support of its position.

The APC warned that allowing parties to disregard statutory requirements without applying the prescribed consequences could weaken electoral transparency and undermine respect for the rule of law.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with compliance with membership register rules expected to be an important issue in the organisation of primaries and selection of candidates.

However, the APC’s letter represents the party’s request to INEC; it does not itself establish that any political party has breached the law. Any enforcement action would depend on the commission’s verification of compliance and the applicable legal requirements.

The Supreme Court ruling has restored the disputed provisions, but parties and electoral officials will still need to apply them in accordance with the judgment and the Electoral Act.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia