APC Asks INEC to Bar Parties Over Membership Register Breach

The All Progressives Congress APC has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to bar political parties that fail to comply with statutory requirements on membership registers from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The party made the request in a letter dated October 9, signed by its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and addressed to the electoral commission.

The APC urged INEC to enforce the Supreme Court’s September 24 judgment in the case involving the commission and the Zenith Labour Party, which upheld the relevant provisions of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.

The party called on the commission to verify whether political parties submitted their digital membership registers at least 21 days before their respective primaries, congresses and conventions, and to apply the consequences prescribed by law where violations are established.

Under Section 77(4), political parties are required to submit their membership registers to INEC within the stipulated period. Section 77(5) provides that only members whose names appear on the submitted register are eligible to vote or be voted for during party primaries, congresses and conventions.

Section 77(6) also prohibits parties from using a different register for these exercises, while Section 77(7) provides for the exclusion of parties that fail to meet the submission requirement from fielding candidates in general elections.

The APC said the Supreme Court’s decision affirmed the validity of these provisions and underscored their role in promoting internal democracy and transparent candidate-selection processes.

The party maintained that although political parties have the authority to nominate candidates for elections, they must exercise that authority in accordance with the law, including the prescribed procedures for selecting candidates.

It further argued that INEC was obligated to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment, noting that the commission was a party to the legal proceedings. The APC also cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires authorities and persons to give effect to decisions of courts with competent jurisdiction.

The request comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections and the implementation of the legal requirements governing membership registers and candidate nominations attracts renewed attention.