Supreme Court Holds Judgment in Electoral Act Dispute Between Zenith Labour Party and INEC

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, on Wednesday, reserved judgment in appeal SC/CR/495/2026 filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The appeal challenges a Court of Appeal ruling that voided sections of the 2026 Electoral Act concerning political party primaries and membership registers. The dispute originated from a suit by the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) lodged in the Federal High Court. By reserving judgment, the Supreme Court has paused the enforcement of the Court of Appeal’s decision, leaving the contested provisions of the Electoral Act in limbo until the Court delivers its final ruling. The outcome will determine whether the 2026 Act’s primary and membership rules remain enforceable, affecting all registered political parties and the conduct of upcoming elections.