The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce statutory requirements for political party membership registers, warning that failure to comply could prevent parties from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The move follows a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, which upheld the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, including provisions governing the submission of membership registers and participation in party primaries, congresses and conventions.

Punch reported that the APC made the demand in a letter dated October 9, signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru. The party asked INEC to examine whether political parties had met the statutory deadlines and enforce the legal consequences of any established violations.

Section 77 requires political parties to submit their digital membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before their primaries, congresses or conventions. It also limits participation in those exercises to members whose names appear on the submitted registers and prohibits parties from using alternative lists.

The APC argued that enforcing the provisions would strengthen internal democracy and promote transparency in the selection of candidates. It further maintained that the Supreme Court had clarified that parties which fail to submit their registers within the prescribed period could be barred from fielding candidates in the general elections.

The party also urged INEC to implement the judgment, citing Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the decisions of the Supreme Court and other courts to be enforced by relevant authorities and persons.