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The Concerned Niger Delta Youth Initiative (CNDYI) has welcomed the recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the membership registers of political parties, conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, in a statement signed by its Founder and Patron, Comr. Zenebo Ebis Orubebe, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said the judgment would strengthen internal democracy, transparency and adherence to the rule of law within Nigeria’s political parties.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, restored key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to political party membership registers and the nomination of candidates.
The apex court’s decision affirmed the requirement that political parties submit their membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before their primaries, congresses or conventions.
The court also restored the provision requiring political parties to use the membership register submitted to INEC for their primaries, congresses and conventions.
Reacting to the judgment, CNDYI described it as a significant development in Nigeria’s electoral process, saying it would provide greater clarity on the rules governing party primaries and candidate nomination.
According to the group, the judgment places greater responsibility on political parties to ensure that their internal processes comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
CNDYI also drew attention to the implications of the 21-day membership-register requirement for politicians who move from one political party to another shortly before party primaries.
The group said the provision could prevent an aspirant who was not included in a party’s membership register submitted to INEC within the stipulated period from participating in that party’s primary.
It argued that the development would help address disputes arising from last-minute movements by aspirants between political parties ahead of elections.
“By Section 77(5) as affirmed by the Court, only a person whose name is contained in a party’s membership register submitted to INEC at least 21 days before a primary can vote or be voted for in that primary,” the group stated.
CNDYI, however, noted that individual cases of eligibility would remain subject to the Electoral Act, the facts of each case and the judicial process.
The organisation called on INEC to ensure consistent implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act without fear or favour.
It urged the electoral commission to ensure that political parties comply with the statutory requirements governing membership registers and the nomination of candidates.
The group also appealed to political parties to put their houses in order and ensure that their congresses, conventions and primaries are conducted in accordance with the law.
CNDYI further called on the judiciary to continue to determine electoral and political party disputes fairly, impartially and expeditiously.
The timely resolution of electoral disputes, the group acknowledged is essential to maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The organisation said the Supreme Court judgment had provided important legal clarity ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that political parties, aspirants, candidates and other stakeholders must respect the provisions of the law.
“Political parties should ensure that aspirants and members are properly informed of the legal requirements governing participation in their nomination processes,” it said.
CNDYI maintained that strict compliance with the Electoral Act would promote transparency, accountability and greater discipline within Nigeria’s political parties.
The group therefore urged all stakeholders to work towards an electoral environment where rules are clearly understood, consistently applied and respected by all participants.
