APC Writes INEC, Demands Enforcement of Supreme Court Judgement On Party Membership Register

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly enforce a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding party membership registers and compliance with Sections 77 of the Electoral Act 2026. The Supreme Court's decision in INEC v Zenith Labour Party, delivered on 24 September 2026, highlighted the importance of adhering to internal democracy principles in political party primaries, congresses, and conventions.

In a letter dated 9th October 2026, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Sen. Ajibola Basiru addressed INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, stressing that INEC must comply with the Supreme Court's ruling under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The court ruled to set aside a previous order nullifying Sections 77(5) to (7) and Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.

APC argues that Section 77(4) mandates that political parties submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before primary elections, congresses, or conventions. They also pointed out that Section 77(5) stipulates that only names on the submitted register are eligible to vote, while Section 77(6) bans the use of any other register.

The party cited the court's emphasis on Section 77(7), which allows a party to be barred from fielding candidates if its digital membership register is not submitted within the stipulated period. APC maintains that internal party democracy, transparency, and the rule of law are at stake. They request INEC to enforce the Supreme Court's decision immediately, verify compliance, apply penalties for non-compliance, and strictly uphold Sections 77(5) and 77(6) of the Electoral Act 2026.