The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce a Supreme Court judgment requiring political parties to submit membership registers before internal elections. In a letter dated October 9, 2026, the APC urged INEC to implement the September 24, 2026 judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party. The judgment reaffirmed the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, jointly signed the letter.
The APC made its position public through a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. According to the party, the judgment reinforces the legal requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses, and conventions. This requirement aims to ensure transparency and credibility in internal party processes. The party emphasized that only members whose names appear on duly submitted registers are eligible to vote or contest in these processes.
The APC urged INEC to verify compliance across all political parties and apply relevant statutory sanctions for violations. The party stressed that INEC's action should be impartial and guided strictly by the law, without fear or favour. With preparations for the 2027 general election underway, the APC argued that credible national elections depend on transparent internal democratic processes and strict adherence to established legal requirements.
The demand places renewed emphasis on INEC's role in ensuring that political parties comply with statutory requirements governing their internal elections. The APC's call for compliance is essential to protecting the integrity of party primaries and the broader electoral process. INEC's prompt action on the judgment is crucial in maintaining the credibility of the electoral process.
The APC's move is significant as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general election. The party's emphasis on transparency and adherence to legal requirements aims to promote credible and fair internal party processes. By enforcing the Supreme Court judgment, INEC can ensure that political parties operate within established laws and guidelines.
The Supreme Court judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party has far-reaching implications for Nigeria's electoral process. The judgment's affirmation of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in internal party processes. INEC's enforcement of the judgment will help to promote a level playing field for all political parties.
The APC's demand for INEC to enforce the Supreme Court judgment reflects the party's commitment to transparency and credibility in the electoral process. The party's call for prompt action on the judgment is essential to ensuring that political parties comply with statutory requirements and promote credible internal democratic processes.
Key points
- APC demands INEC enforce Supreme Court judgment on party membership registers ahead of 2027 polls.
- Judgment reaffirms validity of Section 77 of Electoral Act 2026, requiring parties to submit membership registers to INEC.
- Enforcement aims to promote transparency, credibility, and accountability in internal party processes.
