INEC Rejects 64 Petitions, Upholds 66 in Review of 2027 Election Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected 64 petitions and upheld 66 others following a review of candidate lists for Nigeria’s 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

The commission said the petitions were submitted by political parties following the publication of the final candidates’ lists on October 10, 2026.

In a statement issued on October 30, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, explained that the commission reviewed the complaints alongside relevant records and applicable legal provisions before reaching its decisions.

INEC Reviews Governorship Election Petitions

According to the commission, 12 political parties submitted 69 petitions across 26 states concerning governorship candidates.

After reviewing the complaints, INEC approved 41 petitions and rejected 28.

The petitions included complaints about political parties or candidates allegedly omitted from the published lists, as well as disputes over the eligibility of some nominees.

INEC said it approved the inclusion of candidates and political parties whose complaints were found to have merit.

36 Assembly Election Petitions Rejected

The commission also reviewed petitions concerning candidates for the State Houses of Assembly.

INEC received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. Of these, 25 were upheld, while 36 were rejected.

The commission said its decisions were based on the specific complaints received, relevant records and applicable legal requirements.

Why Some Candidates Were Removed

INEC explained that some candidates whose names had appeared on the final lists were removed after verification showed that their names were not included in the membership registers submitted by their respective political parties.

The commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations did not comply with applicable legal requirements.

Some complaints involved alleged multiple nominations, while others concerned the omission of political parties or candidates from the published lists.

The review was intended to address the complaints and correct the lists where the commission found sufficient grounds to do so.

Updated Candidates’ Lists to Be Published

INEC said the affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated version of the candidates’ lists on its official website.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The latest review comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections, with candidate eligibility and compliance with nomination requirements remaining important issues.

The updated lists are expected to clarify the status of candidates affected by the commission’s decisions.