(Cartoon image generated by AI)
As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined strict compliance measures that could decisively determine the eligibility of political aspirants.
At the centre of the commission’s position is the requirement that while individuals may join political parties at any time, their names must appear on the party’s official membership register before it is submitted to INEC.
Findings revealed that failure to meet this condition would automatically disqualify such individuals from participating in the electoral process.
Further findings indicated that political appointees, seeking elective office must resign their positions at least 30 days before their party’s primary election.
According to pulses from some politicians, the rule leaves little room for flexibility, as it is effectively barring last-minute attempts to transition from appointed office to elective contests.
The electoral umpire has also taken a firm stance on party defection during the electoral cycle. Reliable sources in INEC confirmed that once a political party submits its membership register, all listed members are deemed bound to that party for the purpose of the election.
It was further revealed that aspirants are unable to switch political parties after the submission in a bid to secure alternative tickets.
According to INEC’s timetable, issued in line with the Electoral Act (as amended), party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30.
Political parties are required to submit their membership registers ahead of this period, and only those whose names appear on the register will be eligible to vote or be voted for during the primaries.
The commission has also ruled out any alterations to submitted registers. Once filed, the documents become final, with no provision for the removal, substitution, or addition of names, towards eliminating opportunities for post-submission adjustments or internal party manipulations.
It was further stated that the implication of the provisions is clear, such that aspirants, who delay compliance, attempt to exploit loopholes, or rely on last-minute political realignments risk disqualification.
Political analysts have also said the INEC’s enforcement posture signals a stricter regulatory environment, where adherence to laid-down procedures would be critical to participation in the 2027 elections.
They also contended that the detailed provisions in the new Electoral Acts are not known to many politicians. They alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level, might use the hidden provisions to strengthen its chances and weaken the opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord, ADC, NNPP, LP, SDP, and so on.