ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a clarification on the omission of some candidates from the final list for the 2027 governorship election.
The commission said the decision followed the recent judgment of the Supreme Court in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026. The judgment was delivered on September 24, 2026.
Background of the Case
The case arose from INEC’s appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal had nullified the provisions of Section 77(5)-(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026. The provisions required the submission of membership registers as a prerequisite for the conduct of valid party primaries.
However, the Supreme Court held that the provisions of Section 77(5)-(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026 are constitutional and mandatory for all political parties. The court upheld the constitutionality of Item No. 2 of INEC’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities. The item mandated political parties to submit their membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026.
Supreme Court’s Decision
Furthermore, the court held that failure to comply with the provisions of Section 77(5)-(7) renders the defaulting political parties ineligible to sponsor any candidate for the election.
In accordance with Section 287(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the commission applied the above decision of the Supreme Court. It excluded political parties that failed to comply with Section 77(5)-(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026. This was in relation to the fielding of candidates.
Presidential and National Assembly List
Meanwhile, the final list of Presidential and National Assembly candidates had already been published on September 12, 2026. This was thirteen days before the Supreme Court delivered its judgment.
Right to Notify the Commission
Under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly left off the list have 14 days from the date of publication to notify the commission. The deadline is October 24, 2026.
Commitment to Transparency
The commission assured the public of its commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and the credibility of the electoral process.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on October 13, 2026.
