The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received 130 petitions challenging the final lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, with 66 petitions upheld and 64 rejected.
The commission disclosed that it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning governorship candidates. Of these, 41 succeeded, while 28 failed.
For the State Houses of Assembly elections, INEC received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five petitions were successful, while 36 were rejected.
The figures were contained in a press statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC).
According to the commission, the petitions followed the publication of the final lists of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on October 10, 2026.
INEC said the complaints centred on the omission of some political parties, the inclusion of candidates whose names were absent from the membership registers submitted by their parties, and alleged cases of multiple nominations.
The commission explained that it reviewed the complaints alongside relevant records and applicable legal provisions before deciding which petitions should be upheld or rejected.
“Following a review of the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions, the Commission found merit in some representations and approved the inclusion of affected candidates and their political parties, while complaints found to be without merit were declined,” the statement said.
The electoral body added that some candidates whose names had been wrongly included in the final lists were removed after verification established that their names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their political parties.
INEC also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with applicable legal requirements.
The commission stated that decisions affecting candidates sponsored by political parties for the State Houses of Assembly elections were based on specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and its established criteria.
“The decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates sponsored by political parties were informed by specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and the Commission’s established criteria,” the statement noted.
INEC said the affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated version of the lists to be published on its official website.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
“Once again, the Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process,” the statement added.