The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent political parties that fail to submit their membership registers within the time prescribed by law from fielding candidates in the 2027 general election.
Politics Nigeria reports that the ruling party made the demand in a letter dated October 9, 2026, signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
The APC urged INEC to enforce the Supreme Court’s September 24 judgment on the submission and use of political parties’ membership registers for primaries, congresses and conventions.
It maintained that the Commission must apply the legal consequences for parties that fail to meet the statutory requirements.
The party’s demand comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election, with compliance with electoral laws expected to play a major role in the process of selecting candidates for elective offices.
In the letter, the APC called on INEC to verify whether every registered political party submitted its digital membership register within the period allowed by law.
It also asked the Commission to ensure that parties comply with the rules governing participation in their internal elections.
The party argued that any political organisation that fails to meet the deadline should face the consequences provided under Section 77(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, including possible disqualification from presenting candidates at the general election.
The letter referred to the Supreme Court’s decision in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, Suit No. SC/CV/495/2026, in which the apex court upheld the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
The judgment also set aside a Court of Appeal order that had declared Sections 77(5) to (7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act unconstitutional, alongside Activity Serial Number Two of INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election.
The APC said the ruling had settled the legal position on the obligation of political parties to submit their membership registers and the consequences of failing to do so.
According to the party, Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act requires every political party to make its membership register available to INEC at least 21 days before its scheduled primaries, congresses or conventions.
The provision states that “Each political party shall make such register available to the Commission not later than 21 days before the date fixed for the party primaries, congresses or conventions.”
The APC also drew attention to Section 77(5), which states that “specifically provides that only members whose names are contained in the register shall be eligible to vote and be voted for in party primaries, congresses and conventions.”
The party further noted that Section 77(6) prohibits political parties from using a membership register different from the one submitted to INEC.
It argued that these provisions are intended to establish a verifiable system for determining who can participate in party elections and to prevent irregularities in the selection of candidates.
The APC maintained that INEC must not limit its role to receiving the registers but should also ensure that political parties comply with the statutory conditions attached to their submission and use.
