The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to political parties and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that only duly registered party members captured in the official party e-registration database will be eligible to emerge as candidates or flag bearers.
The electoral body stressed that individuals who are not officially recognised members of their political parties, or who failed to participate in the mandatory electronic membership registration exercise, risk disqualification from contesting party primaries and elections.
The warning follows the implementation of stricter provisions under the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political parties to maintain verified digital membership registers and submit them to INEC before conducting primaries.
According to the commission, political association alone will no longer be sufficient for aspirants seeking elective positions under any political platform, as parties are now required to present authentic membership records for all contestants.
INEC explained that only aspirants whose names appear in the officially submitted party register would be recognised as legitimate participants during congresses, conventions, and primary elections.
The commission further noted that political parties must ensure transparency and compliance with the new digital registration framework to avoid legal disputes and post-primary litigations that have continued to affect Nigeria’s electoral process.
Under the new guidelines, aspirants are expected to not only belong to a political party but must also complete the party’s e-registration process within the stipulated timeframe before the conduct of primaries.
INEC warned that failure to comply with the requirements could lead to the rejection of candidates’ nominations, irrespective of their political influence or status within the party.
The development is expected to significantly affect politicians seeking to defect from one political party to another ahead of the 2027 elections, especially those hoping to secure automatic tickets or last-minute nominations without undergoing formal registration procedures.
Political analysts believe the move is aimed at strengthening internal democracy within political parties, reducing cases of candidate imposition, and ensuring that only verified party members participate in the electoral process.
The commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Electoral Act and maintaining credible electoral standards across all political parties in the country.
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