INEC to Address Controversial Candidates After Court Ruling

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing to act against candidates who emerged from controversial primaries after a recent Supreme Court judgment. Candidates argue that since the judgment did not name individuals, INEC cannot act without further court clarification.

However, INEC is concerned about the anxiety surrounding the judgment and the various interpretations it has generated. Due to time constraints, as the final list of candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections is due by September 12 and the governorship and state Assembly list by October 10, 2026, INEC plans to make a decision by next week.

Malam Mohammed Haruna, INEC's National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, confirmed that the commission is seeking a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to review its implications. There are concerns regarding candidates who may be affected, including ex-IGP Mohammed Adamu and Sheik Isa Pantami.