Human rights lawyer and political commentator Deji Adeyanju has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment on the Electoral Act. In a statement issued on Monday, Adeyanju emphasized that INEC is constitutionally obligated to enforce the decision of the Supreme Court in accordance with Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. This provision requires all authorities and persons to give effect to decisions of the Supreme Court.
Adeyanju's call comes after the Supreme Court's recent decision to restore Sections 77(5), 77(7), and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which had earlier been invalidated by the Court of Appeal. A seven-member Supreme Court panel unanimously allowed INEC's appeal, leading to the reinstatement of the sections. Adeyanju stressed that INEC must take immediate steps to implement the court's orders in full, ensuring that compliance is not selective or delayed.
As part of the steps required to give effect to the Supreme Court's decision, Adeyanju urged INEC to remove the names of candidates of political parties affected by the judgment from its official portal. He further called on the commission to ensure that all necessary administrative actions are taken to achieve full compliance with the judgment. Adeyanju maintained that INEC's implementation of the court's decision should be guided by the constitutional requirement for strict enforcement of Supreme Court judgments.
The call for compliance comes amid developments surrounding the interpretation and application of provisions of the Electoral Act following the Supreme Court's recent decision. Adeyanju urged INEC to act without further delay and ensure that its official records accurately reflect the effect of the judgment. This, he emphasized, is crucial to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Adeyanju, INEC's compliance with the Supreme Court judgment is essential to prevent any potential disputes or controversies that may arise from the implementation of the Electoral Act. He stressed that the commission's actions should be transparent and in line with the constitutional provisions that govern its operations. By complying with the judgment, INEC can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
The Supreme Court's decision to restore the sections of the Electoral Act has significant implications for the 2027 elections. Adeyanju's call for compliance has been seen as a move to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the law. The development is also expected to have a positive impact on the country's democratic process, as it seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
In conclusion, Adeyanju's call for INEC to comply with the Supreme Court judgment is a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law in Nigeria's electoral process. By taking immediate steps to implement the court's orders, INEC can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability, and help to build trust in the electoral process. The commission's actions will be crucial in shaping the country's democratic future.
Key points
- INEC must comply with the Supreme Court judgment on the Electoral Act to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
- The Supreme Court's decision to restore sections of the Electoral Act has significant implications for the 2027 elections.
- Adeyanju's call for compliance is a move to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the law.
