INEC Clarifies Candidate Exclusions Ahead of 2027 Governorship Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided clarity regarding the exclusion of certain candidates from the final list for the upcoming 2027 governorship elections. This decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that has significant implications for political parties across Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, INEC explained that political parties that did not submit their membership registers as mandated by the Electoral Act of 2026 were omitted from the candidate list. The commission has set a deadline of October 24, 2026, for parties that believe their candidates were unjustly excluded to formally challenge these omissions.

The Supreme Court's ruling, delivered on September 24, 2026, in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, upheld the constitutionality of specific provisions of the Electoral Act. These provisions, outlined in Sections 77(5)-(7), require political parties to submit their membership registers as a prerequisite for conducting valid primaries. The court's decision emphasized that compliance with these regulations is mandatory for all political parties seeking to field candidates in the elections.

INEC's National Commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, reiterated the commission's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a transparent electoral process. He noted that the apex court's ruling reinforced the importance of adherence to the established timelines and requirements set forth in the electoral framework.

Haruna highlighted that the court's ruling specifically confirmed the constitutionality of Item No. 2 of INEC’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities, which mandated the submission of membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026. He stated that any political party failing to comply with these requirements would be deemed ineligible to sponsor candidates for the upcoming elections.

As political parties prepare for the governorship elections, the commission has urged them to act swiftly if they believe their candidates have been wrongfully excluded. The 14-day window for filing challenges is critical, as it ensures that all parties have the opportunity to address any discrepancies before the elections.

It is worth noting that the final list of candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections was published on September 12, 2026, prior to the Supreme Court's ruling. This timeline has raised questions about the implications for parties that may have relied on different interpretations of the electoral requirements.

INEC's announcement comes at a crucial time as the nation gears up for the 2027 elections. The commission has emphasized its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all eligible candidates are given a fair opportunity to participate.

As the deadline approaches, political parties are expected to mobilize their efforts to either challenge the exclusions or ensure compliance with the electoral regulations. The outcome of these actions could significantly influence the political landscape in Nigeria as the country heads towards the elections.

With the stakes high, the coming weeks will be pivotal for both INEC and the political parties involved. The commission's commitment to transparency and adherence to the rule of law will be closely scrutinized as the nation prepares for what promises to be a contentious electoral season.