NDC and SDP Challenge INEC Over Candidate Exclusions

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mogaji Olusegun Agboola, have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the alleged omission of their candidates from the final list for the 2027 elections. The NDC has given INEC 72 hours to publish the names of five of its governorship candidates and their running mates.

Agboola has also challenged the omission of his name and is awaiting a response. INEC has set a deadline of October 24 for political parties to notify it of complaints regarding omissions.

The NDC's letter, dated October 3 and received on October 14, claims that five candidates were validly nominated but missing from the list. The letter was signed by NDC National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe and National Secretary Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.

The candidates listed include Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo in Kano State and others in Cross River, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Ogun States. The NDC has commended INEC's efforts but insists on correcting the omissions.