INEC Approves 66 Petitions, Rejects 64 Over 2027 Governorship, Assembly Candidate Lists
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 66 petitions challenging the final lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, while rejecting 64 others.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), following a review of complaints received after the publication of the final lists on October 10, 2026.
According to INEC, the complaints bordered on the omission of some political parties, the wrongful inclusion of candidates whose names were not contained in their parties’ membership registers submitted to the Commission, and allegations of multiple nominations.
The Commission said it examined the petitions alongside relevant records and applicable legal provisions, approving those found to have merit and rejecting those that failed to meet the required criteria.
It also confirmed that some candidates whose names were wrongly published were removed after verification established that they were not listed in their respective parties’ membership registers.
INEC further approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with applicable legal requirements.
The Commission explained that decisions concerning candidates for State Houses of Assembly were based on specific complaints received and determined in line with the law and its established criteria.
Providing a breakdown of the petitions, INEC said it received 69 complaints from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning the governorship election. Of these, 41 were successful, while 28 were rejected.
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Recall that PRNigeria had earlier reported that INEC is reportedly considering the clearance of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State.
A source familiar with developments at the electoral commission disclosed to PRNigeria that Pantami could benefit from an ongoing review of petitions, legal proceedings and other issues relating to the nomination of candidates for elective offices.
According to the source, the review could also affect other aspirants seeking governorship and legislative positions whose candidacies have been subjects of petitions or litigation.
The source indicated that INEC’s consideration of the affected cases was informed by its assessment of relevant petitions and court decisions, although some related matters reportedly remained pending before the courts.
PRNigeria gathered that the anticipated development could have implications for the PDP’s governorship contest in Gombe State, particularly if the electoral commission formally recognises Pantami’s candidature.
Similarly, the Commission received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states relating to the State Houses of Assembly elections. Twenty-five were upheld, while 36 were dismissed.
INEC said the affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in the updated lists to be published on its official website.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process, assuring political parties, candidates and the general public that its decisions were guided by the law and established electoral procedures.
By PRNigeria
