The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has upheld 66 petitions challenging the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates for the 2027 general election, while rejecting 64 others.
The review, which followed complaints from political parties and candidates, could alter the political fortunes of several aspirants ahead of the elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), the commission said it received complaints concerning the omission of political parties, the wrongful inclusion of candidates and alleged multiple nominations.
INEC had published the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10, 2026, before announcing on October 13 that it would consider complaints arising from the exercise.
Providing details of its findings, the commission disclosed that it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states in respect of the governorship election. Of the petitions, 41 succeeded, while 28 were rejected.
For the State Houses of Assembly elections, INEC received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five were successful, while 36 failed.
This brings the total number of petitions received across both categories to 130, with 66 upheld and 64 rejected.
Explaining the outcome of the review, the commission said it had approved the inclusion of candidates and political parties whose complaints were found to have merit.
It also disclosed that some candidates previously included in the final lists had been removed after investigations established that their names were absent from the membership registers submitted by their respective political parties.
The commission further approved the removal of candidates whose nominations did not satisfy the applicable legal requirements.
“Following a review of the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions, the Commission found merit in some representations and approved the inclusion of affected candidates and their political parties, while complaints found to be without merit were declined,” the statement read.
INEC explained that its decisions concerning State Houses of Assembly candidates were based on specific complaints and determined in accordance with the law and its established criteria.
The development comes amid preparations for the 2027 general election, with political parties expected to ensure that their candidates satisfy the legal requirements for nomination.
Under the revised electoral timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
INEC said the names of affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated version of the lists to be published on its official website.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process.
“Once again, the Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process,” Haruna said.
- Reps Advance FCT Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Bill - October 30, 2026
- INEC Receives 130 Petitions Over 2027 Candidates’ Lists, Approves 66 - October 30, 2026
- Okorocha Hails Court Judgment Against Uzodimma As Victory for Democracy - October 30, 2026