*Upholds 41 Of Governorship Petitions, Rejects 28
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of some candidates earlier published for the 2027 general elections while approving the inclusion of others following a review of 130 petitions submitted by political parties over alleged irregularities in the nomination process.
The commission said the decisions followed complaints concerning the omission of eligible candidates, the wrongful inclusion of nominees whose names were not contained in their political parties’ membership registers and cases of alleged multiple nominations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Mohammed 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 arriving at its decisions.
INEC had, on October 10, 2026, published the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates for the forthcoming general elections.
However, the exclusion of several prominent candidates from the published lists generated controversy and prompted petitions from affected political parties.
Among those initially omitted 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 some candidates were excluded because their political parties failed to submit membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The commission maintained that its decision was informed by a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, which affirmed the constitutionality of Section 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, requiring political parties to submit their membership registers.
INEC explained that it was bound to give effect to the judgment in accordance with Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires authorities to comply with decisions of superior courts.
Following the controversy, the commission invited political parties that believed their candidates had been wrongly excluded to submit complaints in accordance with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The deadline for submitting such complaints was fixed for October 24, 2026.
The commission subsequently reviewed the petitions to determine whether the exclusions and inclusions complied with the applicable legal requirements.
According to information obtained before the official announcement, INEC approved the inclusion of Pantami and Gwarzo, subject to the outcome of pending court cases, but declined to clear Adebutu.
The decisions were said to have been reached during a meeting convened to examine the petitions submitted by political parties.
Confirming the outcome of the review, Haruna said INEC had considered complaints relating to omitted political parties, candidates whose names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their parties and allegations of multiple nominations.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
INEC explained that some petitions were found to have merit, resulting in the reinstatement of affected candidates and their political parties, while others were rejected for failing to satisfy the legal requirements.
The commission also disclosed that some candidates whose names had initially appeared on the published lists were removed after verification revealed that they were not included in the membership registers submitted by their political parties.
“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,” Haruna stated.
“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 further explained that candidates whose nominations were inconsistent with applicable legal requirements were also removed from the lists.
It stated that decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates were based on specific complaints received and assessed in accordance with the law and the commission’s established criteria.
“The Commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements,” the statement added.
“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.”
Providing a breakdown of the petitions considered, INEC disclosed that it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning governorship nominations.
Of the 69 petitions, 41 were successful, while 28 were rejected.
For State Houses of Assembly nominations, the commission received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states.
Of these, 25 petitions were successful, while 36 were rejected.
“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,” Haruna stated.
“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 figures indicate that INEC considered a total of 130 petitions relating to governorship and State Houses of Assembly nominations, approving 66 and rejecting 64.
The commission maintained that the review was conducted to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and the Supreme Court’s decision on the submission of political party membership registers.
It also clarified that the inclusion of candidates involved in pending litigation remained subject to the outcome of those court proceedings.
INEC announced that the updated lists would be made available on its official website to enable political parties, candidates and members of the public to ascertain the status of affected nominations.
“The affected candidates, political parties and states will be reflected in the updated list on the Commission’s website,” Haruna said.
The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting the 2027 general elections in accordance with the law and ensuring that the nomination process remained transparent.
“Once again, the Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process,” the statement concluded.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
