The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the omission of key governorship candidates from its final list for the 2027 general elections was due to their political parties’ failure to submit official membership registers in compliance with electoral laws.
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The commission’s explanation follows growing reactions from affected stakeholders after prominent aspirants—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates in Gombe and Ogun states, Isa Pantami and Ladi Adebutu—were excluded from the official candidate lists.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC explained that the action strictly aligns with a September 24, 2026 Supreme Court ruling in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party.
The apex court upheld the constitutionality of Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political parties to submit their membership registers to the commission within the statutory timeframe set between April 21 and May 10, 2026.
The Supreme Court affirmed that political parties failing to satisfy this requirement forfeit the right to sponsor candidates for the respective elections.
INEC noted that under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it is constitutionally bound to enforce the apex court’s directive.
Addressing the status of national legislative races, the commission stated that final lists for presidential and National Assembly candidates had already been published on September 12, 2026—13 days prior to the Supreme Court ruling.
INEC highlighted that under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, aggrieved political parties that believe their candidates were improperly excluded have a 14-day window from the publication date to formally notify the commission for administrative review.
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