The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will review the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s latest judgement. The judgement concerns disputed provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. Wilfred Ifogah, INEC’s deputy director of voter education and publicity, said the commission would meet after receiving the judgement. The Supreme Court on 24 September restored provisions covering political party membership registers and the nomination of candidates through direct primaries or consensus. The ruling overturned a July Court of Appeal judgement that had voided the provisions.
Nigeria’s electoral framework has been contested since the 2022 Electoral Act. The Act introduced direct primaries as an option for parties. Many governors opposed it. They preferred indirect primaries, which they could control. The Act also required parties to submit membership registers. Courts have issued conflicting rulings on these provisions. The Zenith Labour Party challenged Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2). The Court of Appeal voided them in July. The Supreme Court has now restored them. The back-and-forth creates uncertainty for parties and candidates. INEC must interpret the final ruling. It must also decide how to implement it ahead of 2027.
The Supreme Court’s decision is significant. It restores the legal basis for direct primaries and consensus nominations. Parties can now choose their methods. The ruling also affects membership registers. Parties must maintain accurate records. INEC will review the judgement. It will determine the operational implications. Some candidates whose nominations could be affected have said the ruling does not invalidate their candidacies. Mohammed Abubakar Adamu in Nasarawa, Isa Ali Pantami in Gombe and Kingsley Chinda in Rivers are among them. Their claims will be tested. The 2027 election cycle is approaching. Primaries will begin soon. The ruling provides clarity. It also raises new questions. How will INEC verify membership registers? How will it monitor consensus nominations? The commission has not announced a timeline. It says it will meet after receiving the judgement.
Winners: INEC, which gains clarity. Parties that prefer direct primaries. Candidates who support consensus arrangements. The Supreme Court, which asserts its authority. Losers: Parties that preferred indirect primaries. Governors who control party structures. Candidates whose nominations are challenged. The Court of Appeal, whose judgement is overturned.
Bottom Line: The Supreme Court restored the provisions. INEC will review them. Direct primaries and consensus are back. The 2027 cycle is approaching. Parties must adapt.