Bayo Balogun Urges INEC to Disqualify Non-Registered Candidates

On October 6, 2026, Rep. Bayo Balogun, Chairman of a committee in the House of Representatives, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify candidates not included in their political parties' membership registers. This statement followed a Supreme Court ruling on September 24, which restored the constitutionality of sections 77(5), 77(6), and 77(7) of the Electoral Act after overturning a Court of Appeal judgment.

Balogun explained that Section 77(5) stipulates that only members listed in the submitted membership register are eligible to participate in party primaries, while Section 77(6) mandates that parties utilize this register for such events. He urged INEC to enforce these provisions promptly, stating that an audit should verify candidates' compliance with the membership register.

Balogun asserted that diligent enforcement would help mitigate disputes and reduce litigation related to electoral irregularities.