INEC rejects 64 petitions, removes candidates from 2027 election lists

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has rejected 64 petitions filed by political parties over the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates’ lists, following a review that also led to the removal of some candidates.

The commission disclosed this in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, on October 30, 2026.

INEC said 12 political parties filed 69 petitions across 26 states over governorship candidates.

It approved 41 of the complaints but dismissed 28.

For the State Houses of Assembly elections, 61 petitions were submitted by 11 political parties across 11 states.

The commission upheld 25 and rejected 36.

The complaints involved political parties allegedly omitted from the lists, candidates whose names were included despite not appearing in their parties’ membership registers, and cases of multiple nominations.

Following its review, INEC approved the inclusion of candidates and parties whose complaints were justified.

It also removed names that were wrongly published and candidates whose nominations did not meet legal requirements.

The commission said the revised lists would be published on its website, with details of the affected candidates, political parties and states.

“The Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process,” the statement added.