INEC Sets October 24 Deadline for Candidate Omissions

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a deadline of October 24 for political parties to notify it of any alleged errors regarding the omission of candidates from its final list for the 2027 governorship elections. This decision aligns with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which allows a 14-day window for such notifications.

Prominent candidates missing from the list include Oladipupo Adebutu, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, and Isa Ali Pantami, the governorship candidate for Gombe State. Additionally, Aminu Gwarzo from the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Kano State and Aminu Ringim from the African Democratic Congress in Jigawa State were also omitted.

The omissions have led to protests and threats of legal action from affected parties. This controversy follows a Supreme Court ruling on September 24, 2026, which upheld the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Electoral Act regarding political party membership and candidate nominations.