The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed some candidates previously published on its list for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, while approving the inclusion of others following a review of petitions submitted by political parties.
The commission also disclosed that it received 130 petitions from political parties across several states, with 66 successful and 64 rejected.
The development follows the publication of the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10, 2026, which triggered complaints over the omission of some candidates and the inclusion of others allegedly not qualified to contest.
Among those whose initial omission generated controversy were former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State; Ladi Adebutu, the PDP candidate in Ogun State; and Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State.
INEC had earlier explained that some candidates were excluded because their political parties failed to submit their membership registers as required by law.
The commission cited the September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Section 77(5)-(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which makes the submission of membership registers mandatory for political parties.
It said the decision was applied in finalising the governorship candidates’ list in compliance with Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires authorities to give effect to judgments of superior courts.
INEC had subsequently invited political parties that believed their candidates were wrongly omitted to notify it in line with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, setting October 24, 2026, as the deadline for such complaints.
Daily Trust had earlier reported that Pantami and Gwarzo were cleared to contest, subject to the outcomes of pending court cases, while Adebutu was not cleared.
The newspaper also reported that the decisions followed a meeting convened by the commission to consider petitions submitted by political parties.
In a statement confirming the review, INEC Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission had considered complaints arising from the publication of the candidates’ lists and approved the inclusion of candidates whose petitions were found to have merit.
The statement read:
“Further to its Press Statement of 13th October, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform political parties, candidates and the general public of the outcome of its consideration of complaints received following the publication of the final lists of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on 10th October, 2026.
“The complaints concerned the omission of certain political parties, the wrongful inclusion of candidates of political parties whose names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their political parties, and instances of alleged multiple nominations.
“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. In addition, some names that were wrongfully published in the final list were removed after verifying that their names were not on the register.
“The Commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements. In particular, the decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates sponsored by political parties were informed by specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and the Commission’s established criteria.”
Haruna also confirmed the figures earlier reported by Daily Trust, disclosing the number of petitions received and those that were successful.
“In summary, a total of 69 petitions were received from 12 political parties across 26 states for the governorship election. Forty-one of the petitions succeeded while 28 failed. Similarly, for the State Houses of Assembly, 61 petitions were received from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five succeeded while 36 failed.”
The commission said the names of affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated list to be published on its website.
“The affected candidates, political parties and states will be reflected in the updated list on the Commission’s website.
“Once again, the Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process.”
Editorial note: The headline’s reference to 66 successful petitions is based on INEC’s figures: 41 governorship petitions and 25 State Assembly petitions. The statement does not identify all the candidates removed or restored, so the report avoids presenting the earlier omitted candidates as confirmed beneficiaries of the review.
