The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, triggering mixed reactions among political parties and their supporters.
The publication, which took place on October 10, 2026, marks an important stage in preparations for the elections scheduled for February 6, 2027, in states holding governorship polls.
The release has generated uncertainty in some political camps, particularly among aspirants and parties whose nominations had faced legal disputes or questions about compliance with electoral requirements.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, had earlier confirmed that the commission would publish the list in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.
Under Section 32(1) of the Act, the commission is required to make public the names and addresses of nominated candidates at least 60 days before election day.
The final list is expected to provide clarity on the candidates officially recognised by INEC for the various contests.
Candidate Nominations Draw Attention
The publication has attracted attention because of disputes surrounding the nomination of some candidates, including disagreements over party primaries and compliance with statutory requirements.
INEC had previously disclosed that it received 112 formal complaints from aspirants, candidates and political parties concerning the nomination process. The commission said the complaints had been investigated and resolved, apart from matters still before the courts.
The electoral body also indicated that it would consider the implications of a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning provisions of the Electoral Act governing political party membership registers and candidate selection.
The ruling has raised questions about whether political parties complied with requirements for submitting their membership registers before conducting primaries, congresses and conventions.
Under the relevant provisions of the law, parties are required to submit their membership registers within the prescribed period. Failure to meet applicable statutory requirements can affect a party’s eligibility to nominate candidates.
Political Parties Face Questions Over Omissions
The publication of the final list has also drawn attention to candidates whose names were reportedly missing, creating uncertainty for their political parties and supporters.
Among the prominent figures reported to have been omitted were Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, and Oladipupo Adebutu, the party’s candidate in Ogun State. Aminu Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress was also reported to be absent from the list.
The omissions prompted concerns among affected political camps, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding the decisions and the possible steps available to challenge them.
However, the absence of a candidate’s name from the list should not automatically be interpreted as a final judicial determination of that person’s eligibility. The circumstances of each case and any subsequent legal proceedings remain relevant.
Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act provides a procedure for political parties to notify INEC of an omitted candidate. Such notification must be submitted in writing within 14 days of publication and supported by an affidavit, in accordance with the law.
The provision offers affected parties a statutory avenue to draw the commission’s attention to alleged omissions.
Supreme Court Ruling Adds to Electoral Debate
The Supreme Court judgment on political party membership registers has become a major issue in discussions surrounding candidate nominations for the 2027 elections.
The court upheld provisions requiring parties to submit their membership registers to INEC within the stipulated timeframe and to use the relevant registers in conducting party primaries and other internal electoral activities.
The ruling has placed greater attention on compliance with electoral procedures, particularly for politicians who recently changed political parties or whose nominations have been challenged.
Nevertheless, the legal implications for individual candidates depend on the specific facts and applicable requirements in each case.
As political parties assess the published list, further complaints and legal challenges may emerge over nominations and alleged omissions.
INEC Moves Ahead With 2027 Election Preparations
The release of the final list represents another milestone in INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The commission is expected to continue implementing the electoral timetable while addressing issues raised through the procedures provided by law.
For political parties, the publication provides a clearer picture of the candidates officially listed for the elections, while those affected by omissions or unresolved disputes must consider the available legal and administrative options.
With the February 6, 2027 governorship elections approaching, attention is likely to remain focused on compliance with electoral laws, the resolution of candidate-related disputes and the commission’s handling of complaints.
