The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed political parties to report any candidates wrongly excluded from its final list for the 2027 governorship elections on or before October 24, 2026.
The commission said the deadline complies with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which allows political parties 14 days from the publication of the candidates’ list to notify the electoral body of alleged omissions.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, amid complaints from political parties over the exclusion of some of their candidates.
Among those reportedly missing from the final list are the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe states, Oladipupo Adebutu and Isa Ali Pantami, respectively.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate in Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, was also reportedly omitted. In Jigawa State, the African Democratic Congress raised concerns over the exclusion of its endorsed deputy governorship candidate, Aminu Ringim, alongside other candidates.
The affected parties and candidates have expressed concerns about the omissions, with some considering legal action to challenge their exclusion.
Supreme Court Ruling Influences INEC’s Decision
INEC explained that its decision followed the Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, appeal number SC/CV/495/2026.
According to the commission, the apex court upheld the constitutionality of Sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026. These provisions set out requirements for political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC and use the submitted registers for party primaries, congresses and conventions.
The electoral commission noted that the Supreme Court also affirmed its timetable requiring political parties to submit their membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026.
INEC said the court ruled that political parties that failed to comply with the statutory requirements would be ineligible to sponsor candidates for the elections.
The commission added that it applied the judgment when preparing the final list of governorship candidates, excluding parties that did not meet the membership-register requirements.
It said the action was consistent with Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires relevant authorities to give effect to court decisions.
Presidential and National Assembly Lists Not Affected by Later Judgment
INEC further clarified that the final lists of candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections had already been published on September 12, 2026, before the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on September 24.
The commission explained that the October 24 deadline specifically concerns political parties seeking corrections to the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship elections.
It urged parties that believe their candidates were wrongly excluded to notify the commission within the stipulated period.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Credible Elections
The controversy surrounding the omitted candidates has raised questions about compliance with electoral laws and the implications of the Supreme Court ruling for political parties preparing for the 2027 elections.
INEC maintained that its actions were guided by the law and the need to enforce judicial decisions.
The commission also reiterated its commitment to transparency, adherence to the rule of law and the conduct of credible elections ahead of the governorship polls scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Political parties affected by the omissions are expected to use the period provided by law to formally notify INEC of any alleged errors before the October 24 deadline.
