The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made it clear that political parties that present candidates not listed in the official registers submitted to the commission will be prohibited from participating in the 2027 general elections. This announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling on September 24, 2026, which upheld the constitutionality of specific sections of the Electoral Act 2026 and confirmed INEC's revised timetable for the elections.

During a recent appearance on Trust TV's Daily Politics, INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, elaborated on the implications of the Supreme Court's decision. He emphasized that parties found to be in violation of the law would not only be barred from fielding candidates but would also be unable to substitute those candidates. "It’s like you committed an offence. And then, you come and benefit from it," Haruna stated, referencing previous cases involving parties in Zamfara and Plateau states.

Haruna explained that the commission is working diligently to ensure compliance with the law, asserting that political parties should not gain from their violations. He noted that the commission would provide a definitive statement regarding the ramifications of the Supreme Court ruling by the following Tuesday. This delay is attributed to the need for legal consultation after receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment, as INEC has previously encountered instances of forged court documents.

The commissioner highlighted the importance of verifying the authenticity of court judgments, stating, "You can’t be too careful with these things because even when you see copies and they tell you it’s a CTC, it may be forged." He assured that INEC is taking all necessary precautions to avoid any legal missteps as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

Haruna further indicated that the implications of this ruling could affect various political parties, potentially preventing them from fielding candidates for several elective positions, including those at the state assembly level. He reiterated that candidates must be registered members of their respective parties at the time they contest for tickets, underscoring the commission's commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.

As the 2027 elections approach, the INEC's stance is a clear message to political parties about the necessity of adhering to electoral laws and regulations, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.