The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reviewing the implications of a recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld key provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this while speaking on the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

The Supreme Court had ruled on provisions of the Electoral Act dealing with political party membership registers and the nomination of candidates for elective positions.

The judgment restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 after an earlier Court of Appeal decision had voided the provisions.

The provisions could have significant implications for political parties and aspirants seeking tickets to contest in the 2027 elections.

Under the restored provisions, political parties are required to maintain and submit membership registers to INEC, while the rules also affect how parties conduct congresses, conventions and the nomination of candidates.

The development has already generated discussions among political parties, lawyers and lawmakers, particularly over the eligibility of candidates whose names may not appear on the membership registers submitted to INEC.

The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has also called on INEC to audit candidates submitted by political parties and enforce the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

INEC has indicated that it is studying the judgment and its implications as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

The commission is expected to provide further guidance to political parties and candidates as it works to ensure that the electoral process complies with the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law.

The development comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties already positioning themselves and potential candidates beginning to make moves ahead of the polls.

For political aspirants, the ruling could make compliance with party membership and nomination requirements even more important as the election season approaches.

INEC’s review is therefore being closely watched by political parties and prospective candidates across the country.

Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections.