The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 66 petitions and rejected 64 others following a review of 130 complaints over candidates’ lists for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The decisions could reshape the political fortunes of candidates and parties in several states, with some nominations approved, others withdrawn and complaints dismissed for lacking merit.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, INEC said it reviewed petitions arising from the final lists of candidates published on October 10, following complaints from political parties over omitted parties, wrongful inclusion of candidates and alleged multiple nominations.
The commission disclosed that it received 69 petitions concerning governorship elections from 12 political parties across 26 states. Of these, 41 were approved, while 28 were rejected.
For the State Houses of Assembly elections, INEC received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. The commission upheld 25 petitions and dismissed 36 others.
INEC explained that its review led to the inclusion of some candidates and political parties whose complaints were found to have merit.
However, some candidates whose names appeared on the previously published lists were removed after verification showed that they were not included in the membership registers submitted by their political parties.
The commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations failed to meet applicable legal requirements.
INEC said decisions on State Assembly candidates were based on specific complaints submitted to the commission and determined in accordance with the law and its established criteria.
The latest review follows an earlier statement issued by INEC on October 13, 2026, concerning complaints arising from the publication of the final candidates’ lists.
The commission said the affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated list to be published on its official website.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, credibility and the integrity of the electoral process, assuring political parties, candidates and Nigerians that it would continue to handle electoral disputes in accordance with the law.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the updated lists are expected to clarify the status of candidates whose nominations were challenged and those whose names have now been added or removed following the commission’s review.
