Supreme Court Restores Electoral Act Provisions for 2027

The Supreme Court, on September 24, 2026, unanimously restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7), and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which pertain to political party membership registers and candidate nominations. This decision followed an appeal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against a previous Court of Appeal ruling that nullified these provisions.

The Supreme Court found that the provisions were not inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution. As a result, INEC is set to publish an updated list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, with a press conference scheduled to clarify its position on the ruling.

Although the Supreme Court's judgment does not automatically invalidate previously concluded nominations, it raises questions about the status of candidates whose nominations may not comply with the restored provisions. Candidates not listed in their parties' membership registers before the primaries could be affected.

The final list for the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections is scheduled for October 6, 2026.