The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the inclusion of several candidates and political parties in the list of contenders for the 2027 general elections following a review of complaints submitted by political parties.
However, the commission also announced the removal of some candidates whose names were initially published despite failing to meet the relevant legal requirements.
The development followed complaints arising from the publication of the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10, 2026.
Among those whose omission from the initial list 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 governorship candidate in Ogun State; and Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State.
INEC had earlier explained that the controversy surrounding some nominations was linked to the failure of political parties to submit their membership registers as required by the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission disclosed that it had examined petitions concerning the omission of political parties, wrongful inclusion of candidates and alleged multiple nominations.
According to INEC, some complaints were found to have merit, resulting in the approval of affected candidates and political parties, while others were rejected.
The commission also confirmed that candidates whose names were wrongly published were removed after verification showed that they were not included in the membership registers submitted by their respective parties.
INEC further approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were inconsistent with applicable electoral laws.
Giving a breakdown of the petitions received, Haruna disclosed that 69 petitions were submitted by 12 political parties across 26 states concerning governorship elections.
Out of the 69 petitions, 41 were successful, while 28 were rejected.
For the State Houses of Assembly elections, the commission received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. Of the petitions, 25 succeeded, while 36 failed.
INEC said the affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated version of the lists on its official website.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, strict adherence to electoral laws and the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
