2027: Reps ask INEC to disqualify candidates not in submitted party registers

The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to audit party membership registers and disqualify candidates in the 2027 elections whose names are not listed in those registers, according to the Electoral Act of 2026. Committee Chairman Rep. Bayo Balogun (APC) pointed to a Supreme Court ruling on sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) of the Act, urging full compliance from all political parties.

These provisions state that only candidates whose names appear in the membership register submitted to INEC are eligible to participate in party primaries, conventions, and elections. The Supreme Court, in a September 24 ruling, restored these sections after overturning a Court of Appeal decision that had declared them unconstitutional.

Balogun emphasized that Section 77(5) necessitates that only members with names in the submitted membership register can vote or be voted for in party activities, while Section 77(6) requires political parties to use the submitted register for this purpose. He urged INEC to promptly enforce Sections 77(4) to 77(6) in the management and oversight of political parties and their electoral processes.

The lawmaker indicated that the audit should determine if the candidates nominated by the parties are listed in the membership registers previously submitted to INEC in accordance with Section 77(5). He stated that diligent enforcement of these provisions would help avert disputes and decrease litigation arising from potential irregularities or non-compliance with Sections 77(4) to 77(6) of the Electoral Act.