The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved changes to the final lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in Nigeria. This update follows complaints over candidate omissions, unlawful nominations, and alleged multiple candidacies. INEC received a total of 130 petitions, with 66 successful and 64 unsuccessful. The Commission's review has resulted in the inclusion of previously omitted candidates and political parties, as well as the removal of names found to have been wrongfully published.
INEC disclosed that it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states over the governorship candidates' lists. Of these, 41 succeeded, while 28 were rejected after the Commission examined the complaints, relevant records, and applicable legal provisions. For the State Houses of Assembly elections, the Commission received another 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five were upheld, while 36 failed.
The complaints centred on the omission of political parties and their candidates, the inclusion of nominees whose names were absent from membership registers submitted by their parties, and allegations of multiple nominations. INEC's review established that some candidates and political parties were wrongly excluded from the final lists published on October 10, 2026. The Commission approved their inclusion, while also confirming the removal of candidates whose names had appeared on the published lists but were not included in their parties' membership registers.
INEC approved the removal of candidates whose nominations failed to meet applicable legal requirements. Decisions affecting State Assembly candidates were based on specific complaints and determined in line with the law and its established criteria. The development represents a further adjustment to the 2027 election candidate lists barely weeks after their initial publication.
Affected political parties and candidates are expected to feature in updated lists to be published on the Commission's website. The latest exercise underscores the importance of political parties complying with statutory nomination requirements, particularly the submission of authentic membership registers and adherence to prescribed procedures in selecting candidates for elective offices.
INEC Chairman's Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, issued a statement yesterday, reaffirming the Commission's commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process. However, INEC did not disclose the names of the affected candidates, political parties, or states in its statement, saying the details would be reflected in the updated lists.
The update raises fresh questions about compliance with nomination procedures by political parties ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC's actions demonstrate its dedication to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, and stakeholders will be watching closely as the updated candidate lists are published and the election season progresses.
Key points
- INEC updates 2027 candidate list after receiving 130 petitions.
- 66 petitions successful, 64 rejected in review of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates.
- Updated candidate lists to be published on INEC's website, reflecting changes in response to complaints.
