APC Asks INEC To Enforce Supreme Court Ruling On Party Membership Registers

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately enforce a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the statutory requirements governing political party membership registers ahead of internal elections.

The ruling, delivered in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, reaffirmed the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which sets out requirements for political parties to submit their membership registers to the electoral commission before conducting primaries, congresses and conventions.

The APC, in a letter dated October 9, 2026, addressed to the INEC chairman, urged the commission to ensure that all political parties comply with the law as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general election.

The letter was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the party's National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, PhD.

In the letter, the ruling party stressed that the Supreme Court judgment had reinforced the legal obligations of political parties regarding membership registration and participation in their internal democratic processes, insisting that INEC should take the necessary steps to ensure compliance across the political landscape.

According to the APC, the judgment provides a clear legal basis for enforcing the requirement that political parties submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before holding primaries, congresses and conventions.

It further emphasised that only individuals whose names appear in the duly submitted membership registers are eligible to vote or be voted for in the affected internal party processes.

The party argued that strict adherence to these provisions was necessary to ensure that the selection of candidates for elective offices was conducted in accordance with the law and the established membership records of the parties concerned.

The APC consequently urged INEC to verify the level of compliance by all registered political parties and apply the statutory consequences wherever violations were established.

It maintained that enforcement should be undertaken without fear or favour, stressing that the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Supreme Court's interpretation of the law should apply equally to all political parties.

The party's position comes as political organisations begin preparations for the 2027 general election, with party primaries, congresses and conventions expected to play a crucial role in determining candidates for various elective positions.

The membership register requirement is particularly significant because internal party elections often determine who emerges as a candidate for governorship, legislative and presidential contests. Compliance with the law therefore has implications for party administration, the participation of members and the credibility of the candidate-selection process.

Under the provision highlighted by the APC, the submission of membership registers ahead of internal elections is not merely an administrative formality but a statutory requirement that establishes the membership records against which eligibility to participate in those processes is determined.

The 21-day notice period also provides a defined timeline for parties to submit their registers before conducting the relevant exercises. The APC's appeal suggests that INEC should pay close attention to this requirement as political parties organise their structures and prepare for the next electoral cycle.

However, the practical effect of the Supreme Court judgment will depend on the precise terms of the decision, the applicable provisions of the Electoral Act and the statutory powers available to INEC in addressing any established breach. The commission's enforcement approach will therefore be important in determining how the requirement is implemented across different political parties.

The APC said credible elections required transparency not only during the general election itself but also throughout the internal processes through which political parties select their candidates.

It maintained that compliance with the law and respect for judicial decisions were essential to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system.

The party further called on INEC to act promptly on the judgment, arguing that the commission's response should reflect the need for political parties to conduct their internal affairs within the framework established by the law.

The development places renewed attention on the responsibilities of political parties as they prepare for the 2027 elections, particularly the need to maintain verifiable membership records and comply with statutory timelines governing their internal activities.

INEC's role in the process will be central to determining whether political parties meet the requirements and whether established violations attract the consequences prescribed by law. Any enforcement measures, however, must be grounded in the actual judgment and the commission's statutory authority.

The APC's statement was issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, who reiterated the party's call for the electoral commission to uphold the Supreme Court's decision and ensure compliance with the law.

With the 2027 general election approaching, the issue of membership registers is likely to remain an important part of discussions about internal party democracy, candidate eligibility and the legal framework governing political competition in Nigeria.

The APC said INEC's timely action would help reinforce adherence to the rule of law and promote transparent internal democratic processes ahead of the next general election.