Supreme Court judgement: INEC to move against erring candidates next week

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reportedly contemplating disciplinary action against candidates who violated Electoral Act provisions in the recent Supreme Court judgment. Candidates who participated in controversial primaries argue that the Supreme Court's lack of naming specific individuals prevents INEC from taking action without further court approval.

A confidential INEC source has expressed concern over the anxiety caused by the judgment's ambiguous messaging and the various interpretations it may prompt. The commission is under pressure to act promptly, as its official schedule dictates that the final lists of candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections should be released by September 12, 2026, while the governorship and state Assembly final lists are due on October 10, 2026.

INEC's National Commissioner, Malam Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that the commission is working towards obtaining a certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment within the next week, which would enable it to take decisive action. However, the legal team must first review the judgment, and there will be a subsequent meeting among commissioners to determine the course of action.

The judgment's implications remain unclear, especially concerning candidates who entered late or competed under different platforms, such as former INGP Mohammed Adamu, Sheik Isa Pantami, Kingsley Chinda, Shehu Buba, and Mohammed Nami. Section 77 of the Electoral Act stipulates that political parties must maintain digital registers containing candidates' personal information and submit them to INEC at least 21 days before primaries, congresses, or conventions.

Failure to submit the register within the stipulated timeframe results in the party's inability to field candidates for that election.