The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a Press Statement on its review of the final lists of governorship and state houses of assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria’s Electoral Body said, the complaints are about the “omission” of some political parties, names of candidates of political parties included “wrongfully” as their names were not added in the membership registered handed in by their Political Parties, as well as, cases of “alleged multiple nominations”.
The Commission made known, after it had reviewed the complaints, certain representations found merit and it “approved the inclusion of affected candidates and their political parties, while complaints found to be without merit were declined”.
The Press Statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), on Thursday 29 October, 2026, reads:
“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 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.”
It also said, names published “wrongfully” were removed after verification revealed they were missing in the register.
The Statement reads: “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. 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 also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements.
“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.”
A total of “69” petitions were received by INEC from Political Parties for the governorship election, while, “61” petitions were received for State Houses of Assembly.
The new approvals will reflect in the updated list on the website of the Commission.
The Statement further reads: “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. 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 affected candidates, political parties and states will be reflected in the updated list on the Commission’s website.”
