The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why some candidates were omitted from the final list for the 2027 governorship elections, citing political parties’ failure to comply with statutory requirements on membership registers.
In a press release dated October 13, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said the exclusions followed a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026.
According to INEC, the Supreme Court, in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, upheld the constitutionality of Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political parties to submit their membership registers as a condition for conducting valid party primaries.
The Commission explained that the court also upheld its timetable requiring political parties to submit their membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026.
INEC stated that parties that failed to comply with the statutory provisions were ineligible to sponsor candidates for the election. Consequently, it applied the court’s decision when preparing the final list of governorship candidates and excluded candidates sponsored by the affected parties.
The development could have significant implications for political parties and their candidates ahead of the 2027 governorship elections, particularly those whose names did not appear on the final list.
The electoral body, however, disclosed that political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly omitted have an opportunity to challenge the decision.
Citing Section 322 of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC said affected political parties have 14 days from the date of publication of the list to notify the Commission.
The deadline for submitting such notifications is October 24, 2026, according to the statement.
INEC also clarified that the final lists of presidential and National Assembly candidates had been published on September 12, 2026, before the Supreme Court delivered its judgment.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, the rule of law and the credibility of the electoral process.
The clarification comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, with compliance with electoral laws emerging as a critical issue in determining which candidates qualify to contest.
Source: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), press release dated October 13, 2026.
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