INEC rejects 64 petitions over 2027 Governorship, Assembly candidates’ lists

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected 64 petitions submitted by political parties over the lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, following a review that also resulted in the removal of some candidates.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to INEC, 12 political parties submitted 69 petitions across 26 states concerning governorship candidates. Of the petitions, 41 were upheld, while 28 were rejected.

For the State Houses of Assembly elections, the commission received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. It approved 25 complaints and dismissed 36.

The petitions covered several issues, including the omission of political parties or their candidates from the published lists, the inclusion of candidates whose names were reportedly absent from their parties’ membership registers, and cases involving multiple nominations.

INEC said its review led to the approval of candidates and political parties whose complaints were found to be justified.

However, the commission also removed names that had been wrongly published, as well as candidates whose nominations failed to satisfy the relevant legal requirements.

It added that revised candidates’ lists would be made available on its website, with details of the affected candidates, political parties and states.

“The Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process,” the statement said.

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