“Court Of Appeal Voids Electoral Act Provisions On Party Registers, Primaries” — Upholds Parties’ Right To Choose Candidates

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has invalidated several provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 related to political-party membership registers and candidate nomination methods. A three-member panel delivered a unanimous judgment, striking down sections of the Act after finding them to be unconstitutional. The ruling upholds parties' right to choose their candidates, a significant development in Nigeria's electoral law.

The Court of Appeal has made a landmark decision in a case that challenges several provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The court's unanimous judgment has invalidated key sections of the Act, effectively giving political parties more freedom in managing their membership registers and candidate nomination processes. This development is significant, as it directly impacts the way parties operate in Nigeria's electoral landscape.

The Nigerian electoral system is governed by the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines the rules for party registration, candidate nomination, and election conduct. The Act contains provisions that regulate political-party membership registers and the methods parties may adopt in nominating candidates for elections. However, these provisions have been challenged in court, with the Court of Appeal now delivering a judgment that has invalidated several key sections.

The court's finding that these provisions are unconstitutional suggests a broader issue with the Electoral Act 2026. This may lead to further challenges and potentially even amendments to the Act. The ruling also highlights the importance of judicial review in ensuring that electoral laws align with constitutional principles.

The Court of Appeal's decision is a significant development in Nigeria's electoral law, upholding parties' right to choose their candidates. Practitioners should closely monitor how this decision impacts party registration, candidate nomination, and election conduct. The implications for the electoral landscape are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how this ruling will shape the future of Nigerian politics.