The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify any political candidates whose names do not appear in their respective party membership registers. This directive is based on Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 and a recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld an appeal filed by INEC. The judgment restored sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7), and 84(2) of the Electoral Act.
The Supreme Court's seven-member panel handed down the ruling last month, setting aside a previous appellate court verdict. The court affirmed that the statutory rules governing party membership registers do not conflict with the 1999 Constitution. This development has cleared up regulatory uncertainty, allowing INEC to enforce the provisions strictly. The committee chairman, Bayo Balogun, noted that the electoral body's past caution was understandable but emphasized that the legal landscape has changed.
Balogun acknowledged that INEC had expressed hesitation over conflicting court rulings and pending litigation surrounding Section 77. However, with the Supreme Court's judgment, the committee has tasked INEC with auditing all candidates fielded by political parties for the upcoming 2027 general elections. INEC must verify that every candidate's name is properly recorded in the membership registers submitted to it at least 21 days before party primaries, congresses, or conventions.
According to Section 77(5) of the Electoral Act, only members whose names are duly logged in a party's submitted register are eligible to participate in primaries. Section 77(6) strictly bars parties from utilizing any register other than the one officially lodged with INEC. Section 77(7) states that any party failing to submit its membership register within the statutory deadline forfeits the right to field candidates for the election.
The committee's directive aims to ensure greater transparency and adherence to due process as the nation counts down to the 2027 polls. By enforcing these provisions proactively, the electoral system can avoid a flood of post-election litigations sparked by non-compliance. Balogun stressed that this move will save the system from unnecessary challenges and promote a more transparent electoral process.
INEC's voter register has hit 103 million, according to a recent report. The commission is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. With the committee's directive, INEC will need to work closely with political parties to ensure that all candidates' names are properly recorded in their respective party membership registers.
The development is significant as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The House Committee's directive is expected to have far-reaching implications for the electoral process. Key stakeholders, including INEC and political parties, will need to work together to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
Key points
- The House Committee on Electoral Matters has directed INEC to disqualify candidates whose names don't appear in party membership registers.
- The directive is based on Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 and a recent Supreme Court judgment.
- The move aims to ensure greater transparency and adherence to due process in the electoral process.
