The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately enforce a Supreme Court judgment reaffirming the requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of primaries, congresses and conventions.
The party made the call in a letter dated October 9, 2026, addressed to the INEC Chairman, following the Supreme Court judgment of September 24, 2026, in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which reaffirmed the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The letter was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
According to the APC, the judgment reinforces the statutory requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses and conventions.
The party said the provision also stipulates that only members whose names appear in the duly submitted registers are eligible to vote or be voted for during the parties’ internal electoral processes.
The APC urged INEC to verify compliance by all political parties and ensure that the provisions of the law are enforced.
In the letter, the party called on the commission to “verify compliance by all political parties” and “apply the statutory consequences of any established violations, without fear or favour.”
It stressed that enforcing the judgment was necessary to ensure that political parties comply with the legal requirements governing their internal democratic processes.
The party also emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election, the Party emphasised that credible elections require transparent internal democratic processes and strict adherence to the rule of law,” the statement said.
The APC maintained that compliance with the membership register requirement would help ensure that only eligible party members participate in primaries, congresses and conventions.
It further urged INEC to act without delay, stressing the need for the commission to uphold the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Supreme Court’s decision.
“The APC called on INEC to act promptly to enforce the Supreme Court judgment and uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement added.