The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to address critical issues surrounding the 2027 general election, including concerns about the eligibility of some governorship candidates. The commission has invited stakeholders to a World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, October 6. The event, marking 100 days to the first ballot, will be addressed by INEC chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN.
Several governorship candidates have attracted attention due to concerns about their eligibility. Among them are Hon. Kingsley Chinda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, and former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State.
Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, the All Progressives Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, is also embroiled in discussions about the interpretation and application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The Supreme Court recently restored four provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that had earlier been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
The restored provisions relate principally to political party membership registers and the nomination of candidates for elective positions. Section 77(5) concerns the membership register to be used for party primaries, while Sections 77(6) and 77(7) deal with the use and submission of such registers. Section 84(2) provides for direct primaries or consensus as methods of nominating candidates by political parties.
A source in the commission told Leadership that INEC’s position following its review of the Supreme Court judgment might be made public at Tuesday’s press conference. The source said the commission had been studying the judgment and that the event would provide an opportunity for INEC to communicate its position to stakeholders.
INEC’s Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, had earlier told Leadership that the commission would review the Supreme Court judgment after obtaining the Certified True Copy (CTC) before making a decision. The commission’s legal team has submitted its report on the judgment, and the chairman is expected to speak on it at the press conference.
The outcome of the press conference is expected to have significant implications for the 2027 general election. Stakeholders, including political parties, the media, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners, have been invited to attend the event.
Key points
- INEC to address eligibility concerns of governorship candidates
- Supreme Court restored four provisions of the Electoral Act 2026
- Commission’s position on candidates to be made public on Tuesday
