2027: INEC drops some candidates, approves others after fresh review

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has removed the names of some candidates initially published for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections while approving the inclusion of others following a review of complaints submitted by political parties.

The commission said the decisions followed a review of petitions challenging the omission of some candidates, the inclusion of candidates whose names were not contained in their parties’ membership registers, and alleged cases of multiple nominations.

DAILY POST reports that INEC had published the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10, 2026, but the exercise triggered complaints from political parties over the exclusion and inclusion of some aspirants.

Among those whose omission had generated controversy were former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Gombe State; Ladi Adebutu, the PDP candidate in Ogun State; and Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, governorship candidate in Kano State.

The commission linked its decision to the September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Section 77(5)-(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which makes membership registers mandatory for political parties.

The electoral umpire also cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires authorities to give effect to decisions of superior courts.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said it had considered the complaints received after publishing the final lists.

INEC said some complaints were upheld, resulting in the inclusion of affected candidates and political parties, while others were rejected for lacking merit.

It added that some candidates whose names had been wrongly published were removed after verification showed that they were not listed in the membership registers submitted by their parties.

“The Commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements,” the statement said.

The Commission explained that it based decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates on specific complaints received and on the law and its established criteria.

Providing a breakdown of the petitions, INEC disclosed that it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning the governorship elections.

Of the 69 petitions, 41 were successful, while 28 were rejected.

For the State Houses of Assembly elections, the commission said it received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states.

According to INEC, 25 of the petitions succeeded, while 36 failed.

The commission said it would publish an updated list of the affected candidates, political parties, and states on its official website.

It reiterated its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.