INEC Unveils 2027 Election Candidates Amid Controversy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final candidates' list for the 2027 general elections, which includes 18 presidential candidates such as President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress. The list also outlines governorship candidates across 26 states.

However, the absence of key opposition figures, particularly Isa Pantami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State and Adebutu in Ogun State, has sparked accusations against the ruling APC. Pantami's candidacy was nullified by a Federal High Court, which ordered a fresh primary that he won, yet his name was not included in the final list.

The PDP accused the APC of pressuring INEC to exclude Adebutu, asserting that he met all nomination requirements. This release follows a Supreme Court ruling that restored key sections of the Electoral Act 2026, impacting party membership and candidate eligibility.