The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that political parties that nominated candidates whose names were absent from their submitted membership registers could be barred from participating in the 2027 elections.
INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this during an appearance on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme.
His comments followed the Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the constitutionality of Sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) of the Electoral Act 2026.
Haruna said affected political parties would not be permitted to substitute the candidates involved.
He argued that parties should not benefit from violations of electoral laws, citing previous cases involving Zamfara and Plateau states.
According to him, the issue could affect candidates contesting governorship and State House of Assembly elections if their names were not included in the relevant party membership registers.
Haruna said INEC’s review could result in some political parties being unable to field governorship candidates in the 2027 elections.
He, however, said the commission was still studying the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment and seeking legal advice.
A final position from INEC is expected next week, he added.
Haruna also expressed concern over alleged threats by some political actors ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said such threats were disturbing and should concern all stakeholders, including the ruling party.
The INEC commissioner stressed that no political actor should be threatened, regardless of whether those making the statements represented a minority group.
Meanwhile, Haruna said the commission was also working to secure the funds required to conduct the 2027 general elections.
