The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce a Supreme Court judgment on political party membership registers, warning that failure to comply with the law could affect parties’ eligibility to field candidates in the 2027 elections.
In a letter dated October 9, 2026, the APC urged INEC to implement the judgment delivered on September 24 in the case of INEC v Zenith Labour Party, Suit No. SC/CV/495/2026.
The letter, addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, was signed by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The party argued that the commission was legally bound to enforce the ruling under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires authorities to give effect to decisions of the Supreme Court.
According to the APC, the judgment set aside a Court of Appeal order nullifying provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to the submission and use of membership registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.
The party said Section 77(4) of the Act requires political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before their internal elections.
It also cited Sections 77(5) and 77(6), which stipulate that only members listed in the submitted register are eligible to vote or be voted for, while prohibiting the use of alternative registers.
The APC further maintained that under Section 77(7), political parties that fail to submit their digital membership registers within the stipulated period could be barred from fielding candidates, subject to the statutory conditions.
READ ALSO:2027: Alli confident APC can unseat Makinde’s APM in Oyo
The ruling party therefore asked INEC to verify compliance by all political parties and apply the consequences prescribed by law where violations are established.
It also called for strict enforcement of the membership register requirements, insisting that compliance was mandatory and essential to ensuring transparency and internal democracy within political parties.
The APC urged INEC to act promptly in accordance with the Supreme Court judgment, the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution.
