By John Dike Osogbo
Commission reviews 130 complaints from political parties across states, orders update of candidates’ lists
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has upheld 66 petitions challenging the final lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, while rejecting 64 others following a review of complaints submitted by political parties.
The commission said the petitions arose from alleged omissions of political parties, wrongful inclusion of candidates whose names were not contained in their parties’ membership registers and cases of alleged multiple nominations.
INEC disclosed this in a press release issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the commission, it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states in respect of governorship candidates. Of the petitions, 41 succeeded, while 28 were rejected.
For the State Houses of Assembly elections, INEC said it received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states, with 25 succeeding and 36 failing.
The figures bring the total number of petitions received by the commission to 130, comprising 66 successful complaints and 64 unsuccessful ones.
The commission explained that the review followed its earlier press statement of October 13, 2026, after the publication of the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10.
INEC said it examined the complaints alongside relevant records and applicable legal provisions before reaching its decisions.
It stated that complaints found to have merit resulted in the approval of the inclusion of affected candidates and political parties, while those considered unsubstantiated were rejected.
The electoral body also disclosed that some individuals whose names were wrongly published in the final candidates’ lists had been removed after verification established that their names were not contained in their parties’ membership registers.
Similarly, candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with applicable legal requirements were removed from the lists.
INEC noted that its decisions on State Houses of Assembly candidates sponsored by political parties were based on specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and the commission’s established criteria.
The commission added that the names of affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in the updated lists to be published on its website.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral transparency, INEC assured political parties, candidates and Nigerians that it remained committed to protecting the credibility of the electoral process.
The review represents an important stage in the preparations for the 2027 general elections, as the accuracy of candidates’ lists is central to ensuring that political parties and their nominees meet the applicable requirements before the polls.
The commission urged stakeholders to rely on its official updates for information concerning the affected candidates and political parties.
