SUPREME COURT DEFERS RULING IN DISPUTE OVER ELECTORAL ACT PROVISIONS

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission against a Court of Appeal decision that voided some provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The affected provisions concern political party membership registers and the methods parties can use to nominate candidates for elections.

The case originated from a suit filed by the Zenith Labour Party at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The party had challenged sections of the Electoral Act, arguing that the provisions were inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and amounted to interference in the internal affairs of political parties.

The Federal High Court dismissed the suit in May 2026, prompting the party to appeal. In July, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the party on some aspects of the case and voided Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act. The provisions deal with party membership registers and the procedures for conducting primaries.

INEC subsequently appealed the Court of Appeal judgment at the Supreme Court, asking the apex court to determine whether the disputed provisions should remain in force. A seven-member panel led by Justice Adamu Jauro heard arguments from the parties before reserving judgment.

The Supreme Court said the date for delivering its judgment would be communicated to the parties. The eventual ruling is expected to clarify the legal framework governing party membership registers and candidate nomination procedures as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.