Human rights lawyer and political commentator Deji Adeyanju has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately comply with a recent Supreme Court judgment on the Electoral Act, calling for the removal of affected candidates’ names from its official portal. The directive follows a unanimous decision by a seven-member Supreme Court panel that restored Sections 77(5), 77(7), and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which had previously been invalidated by the Court of Appeal. Adeyanju emphasized that INEC’s failure to act swiftly undermines the rule of law and constitutional order in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, Adeyanju stressed that INEC is constitutionally bound to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He noted that this provision mandates all authorities and individuals to give effect to decisions made by the nation’s highest court. According to him, any delay or selective compliance would be a violation of the constitutional mandate and could erode public trust in electoral institutions.
Adeyanju specifically called for the immediate removal of candidates whose nominations were affected by the judgment from INEC’s official platform. He argued that such action is essential to ensure that the commission’s records accurately reflect the legal status of candidates ahead of upcoming elections. He further urged INEC to take all necessary administrative steps to fully implement the court’s orders without hesitation.
“The names of all candidates affected by the judgment should be removed from INEC’s official portal as part of the steps required to give effect to the Supreme Court’s decision,” Adeyanju stated. He maintained that the enforcement of judicial rulings must be consistent and non-partisan, especially when it concerns electoral integrity. Any deviation, he warned, could set a dangerous precedent for future elections and weaken democratic processes.
The call comes amid growing scrutiny over how electoral laws are interpreted and applied in Nigeria. The restoration of the contested sections of the Electoral Act has sparked debate among legal experts, political actors, and civil society groups. These provisions relate to the nomination and disqualification of candidates, and their reinstatement may impact party primaries and candidate eligibility across the country.
As Nigeria prepares for critical electoral activities, Adeyanju’s intervention underscores the importance of timely and transparent implementation of judicial decisions. His appeal to INEC highlights the need for institutional accountability and adherence to constitutional principles. The next steps taken by the electoral body will be closely watched by stakeholders nationwide.
Leave a Comment