Supreme Court reserves judgment in Electoral Act appeals

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in appeals tied to disputed sections of the Electoral Act 2026, including provisions on party membership registers and candidate nomination processes.

The case stems from a Court of Appeal decision that voided parts of the Act after a challenge by the Zenith Labour Party. INEC is asking the apex court to restore the affected provisions, while the SDP and Youth Party also brought related appeals.

A seven-member panel led by Justice Adamu Jauro heard arguments on Wednesday before reserving judgment. Vanguard listed the affected provisions as sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2), which touch on party registers and primary-election procedures.

The eventual ruling could shape how parties organise primaries and keep membership records ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources: Daily Post, Vanguard