The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to release the final list of candidates contesting the February 6, 2027, Governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This is in line with section 32(1) of the 2026 Electoral Act, which provides that the Commission shall publish a statement of the full names and addresses of all candidates standing nominated at least 60 days before the day of the election.
According to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, 21 of the 22 registered political parties nominated 936 Governorship/Deputy Governorship candidates for the 28 states where the governorship elections will take place, and 9,692 State House of Assembly candidates. The Governorship election is expected to take place in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The Governorship election will not take place in Edo, Bayelsa, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Imo, Anambra and Kogi states. However, State House of Assembly elections will take place in all states of the federation except in the Federal Capital Territory, which has the National Assembly as its legislative arm. INEC officials have been compiling the final list of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates ahead of its release.
A registered political party that observes that the name of its candidate is missing on the list published in accordance with subsection (1) shall notify the Commission in writing, signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit within 14 days after the publication. The window for substituting candidates for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections closed on Saturday, September 19, while the last day to submit the nomination form (Form EC 13A-E) closed on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
At the time of this report, the party that did not field candidates in the governorship and House of Assembly elections could not be verified, and the number of candidates per political party could also not be ascertained. Sources within the Commission told The Nation that officials have been working to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The release of the final list of candidates is a significant step towards the February 6, 2027, elections. INEC has been meeting with stakeholders and beginning the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in some states. The Commission has also been urging electorate to verify their data and raise objections where necessary.
The Nation understands that INEC is working to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and credible. The release of the final list of candidates will provide clarity for voters and stakeholders. The Commission is expected to continue to engage with stakeholders and provide updates on the electoral process.
Key points
- INEC will release the final list of governorship and state Assembly candidates on October 10, 2026.
- 936 Governorship/Deputy Governorship candidates and 9,692 State House of Assembly candidates were nominated by 21 registered political parties.
- The Governorship election will take place in 28 states, while State House of Assembly elections will take place in all states except the Federal Capital Territory.
