INEC’s Guidelines, Timetable Meant to Ensure Transparent Conduct of Party Primary, Supreme Court Holds

The Supreme Court has held that the Guidelines and Timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections did not contravene the 1999 Constitution, but rather aimed at strengthening the internal democracy of political parties. The apex court's position was contained in the Certified True Copy of its recent judgment in an appeal filed by INEC challenging the striking down of Sections 77(5)(6)(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act. Sections 77(5)(6)(7) require all political parties contesting the 2027 general elections to make available to the Commission a digital register of their members not later than 21 days to party primaries. The court set aside the judgment striking down the sections.

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