INEC UPHOLDS 66 PETITIONS, REJECTS 64 IN REVIEW OF 2027 ELECTION CANDIDATE LISTS

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has upheld 66 petitions and rejected 64 others following its review of complaints concerning candidates listed for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the commission on Thursday, October 29, 2026. According to the commission, it received a total of 130 petitions from political parties challenging aspects of the published candidate lists, the complaints centred on alleged omissions, wrongful inclusion of candidates and multiple nominations. INEC explained that 69 petitions were received concerning governorship candidates from 12 political parties across 26 states. Out of these, 41 petitions were upheld, while 28 were rejected. For the State Houses of Assembly elections, the commission received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. The breakdown showed that 25 petitions were upheld, while 36 were rejected. Altogether, 66 of the 130 petitions were successful, while 64 were unsuccessful. The complaints reportedly involved several issues affecting the nomination and publication of candidates, these included allegations that some qualified candidates were omitted from the published lists, while others were included despite not meeting applicable nomination requirements. There were also complaints concerning candidates allegedly nominated by more than one political party. Following its review, INEC said some previously omitted candidates and political parties would be recognised, while names found to have been wrongly included would be removed, the commission stated that its decisions were based on an examination of the complaints, relevant records and applicable electoral laws. The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the development represents another important stage in preparations for the 2027 general elections. Candidate nomination remains a critical part of the electoral process because disputes surrounding party primaries and candidate lists can generate legal and political complications. INEC’s decision to uphold some petitions and reject others demonstrates the importance of reviewing complaints before the election process advances further. As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, the accuracy and transparency of candidate nomination processes will remain important to public confidence in the electoral system.