The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a review of a recent Supreme Court judgment that could affect the eligibility of some political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Naija News reports that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the commission’s preparations for the 2027 polls, noting that the electoral body had only received the certified true copy of the judgment and was studying its implications.
The Supreme Court, in its September 24, 2026 judgment, affirmed the validity of Sections 77 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, including provisions relating to eligibility to participate in political party primaries.
The ruling has generated fresh concerns over the status of some politicians who moved to other political parties after unsuccessful attempts to secure tickets from their original parties.
Amupitan said INEC had received complaints from political parties, dissatisfied aspirants and members of the National Assembly concerning the possible implications of the judgment.
He assured stakeholders that the commission would take appropriate action after completing its legal and administrative review of the ruling.
Some candidates whose nominations have attracted attention include APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda; NDC senatorial candidate for Delta Central, Ovie Omo-Agege; former Cross River State Governor and PRP presidential candidate, Donald Duke; and former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Victor Ochei.
INEC is expected to announce its position on the affected candidates after concluding its review, as political parties and aspirants await clarity on the application of the Supreme Court decision ahead of the 2027 elections.
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