The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to political parties in Nigeria, stating that failure to comply with the membership-register requirement could result in exclusion from the 2027 general elections. INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, emphasized that parties would not be allowed to substitute candidates to escape the consequences of breaching the law. This warning applies not only to the general elections but also to governorship and state Houses of Assembly contests.
According to Haruna, parties must submit their membership registers to INEC at least three weeks before their primaries. Additionally, those seeking tickets must have their names on the relevant register. He stressed that the law is clear and cited previous instances, such as Zamfara and Plateau, where parties were excluded from contests due to non-compliance. Haruna made these remarks during an appearance on Trust TV's Daily Politics programme.
The warning follows a Supreme Court judgment on September 24, which restored provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing party membership registers and candidate nomination. The apex court overturned an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had voided certain sections of the Act. The restored provisions restrict participation in primaries to members listed in the register submitted to INEC and require parties to use that register.
The Supreme Court's judgment has significant implications for political parties. Parties that fail to submit their membership registers within the stipulated period will be prevented from fielding candidates. Haruna stated that INEC would consult its legal experts on the certified judgment and is expected to make a clear pronouncement by Tuesday next week. Several parties have defended their nomination processes following the ruling.
INEC's warning has raised concerns among political parties and stakeholders. The commission's stance is aimed at ensuring compliance with the Electoral Act and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Parties are now required to ensure that their membership registers are submitted to INEC in a timely manner and that their candidates' names are on the relevant register.
The development has sparked reactions from various quarters. While some parties have defended their nomination processes, others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of non-compliance. INEC's warning is seen as a move to prevent potential disputes and litigations in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
INEC's decision to enforce the Electoral Act is crucial for the credibility of the electoral process. The commission's commitment to upholding the law and ensuring compliance is essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process. The 2027 elections will be closely watched, and INEC's actions will play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
Key points
- Political parties risk exclusion from the 2027 general elections if they fail to comply with INEC's membership-register requirement.
- The Supreme Court's judgment restored provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing party membership registers and candidate nomination.
- INEC is expected to make a clear pronouncement on its position by Tuesday next week.
