INEC Explains Omission of Some Governorship Candidates From 2027 Final List
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained the omission of some candidates from the final list for the 2027 governorship election, citing a Supreme Court judgment that upheld the mandatory submission of membership registers by political parties.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Commission said its decision followed the Supreme Court judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026, delivered on September 24, 2026.
According to INEC, the judgment arose from its appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that had nullified Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political parties to submit their membership registers as a prerequisite for conducting valid party primaries.
The Commission stated that the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the provisions, declaring them mandatory for all political parties.
It added that the apex court also upheld Item 2 of INEC's Timetable and Schedule of Activities, which required political parties to submit their membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026.
INEC further explained that the Supreme Court ruled that political parties that failed to comply with the statutory requirements would be ineligible to sponsor candidates in the election.
Consequently, the Commission said it applied the Supreme Court's decision while finalising the list of governorship candidates, excluding political parties that failed to comply with the membership register submission requirements under Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The electoral body said its action was in accordance with Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which requires compliance with decisions of superior courts.
INEC, however, noted that the final lists of Presidential and National Assembly candidates had already been published on September 12, 2026, 13 days before the Supreme Court delivered its judgment.
The Commission also drew attention to Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which provides a 14-day window from the date of publication for political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly omitted to notify the Commission.
It stated that the deadline for such notifications is October 24, 2026.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, the rule of law and the credibility of the electoral process.
