TD The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why some political parties and their governorship candidates were excluded from the final list for the 2027 governorship elections, citing non-compliance with mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press release dated October 13, 2026, the commission said the exclusions followed a Supreme Court judgment affirming that political parties must comply with statutory requirements concerning the submission of membership registers before conducting valid party primaries.
The clarification was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory Membership Register Requirement
INEC said its decision was based on the Supreme Court judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026, delivered on September 24, 2026.
According to the commission, the judgment arose from its appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that had nullified Sections 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Supreme Court, however, upheld the provisions, declaring them constitutional and mandatory for all political parties.
INEC also said the apex court affirmed Item 2 of its Timetable and Schedule of Activities, which required political parties to submit their membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026.
The commission stressed that compliance with the statutory requirement was a prerequisite for political parties seeking to sponsor candidates in the elections.
Non-Compliant Parties Ineligible to Sponsor Candidates
According to INEC, the Supreme Court held that political parties that failed to comply with Sections 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, were ineligible to sponsor candidates for election.
The commission said it applied the court’s decision while finalising the list of governorship candidates, excluding political parties that failed to meet the membership register submission requirements.
INEC cited Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as part of the legal basis for implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment.
The development could affect political parties whose candidates were omitted from the final governorship election list, particularly those that did not submit their membership registers within the prescribed period.
Presidential and National Assembly Lists Already Published
INEC explained that the final lists of presidential and National Assembly candidates had already been published on September 12, 2026, thirteen days before the Supreme Court delivered its judgment.
The commission’s clarification therefore distinguishes the circumstances surrounding the publication of the earlier candidate lists from the finalisation of the governorship candidates’ list.
October 24 Deadline for Complaints
The electoral commission also reminded political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly omitted from the published lists that they have 14 days from the date of publication to notify INEC.
Citing Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, the commission fixed October 24, 2026, as the deadline for submitting such complaints.
INEC urged affected political parties to act within the statutory timeframe, noting that the law provides a formal process for addressing alleged omissions from the candidate lists.
The deadline is particularly significant for parties seeking clarification or redress over the exclusion of their candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Electoral Credibility
INEC said its actions were guided by the need to comply with the law and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, the rule of law and the credibility of elections, maintaining that political parties must satisfy the statutory requirements for sponsoring candidates.
The clarification comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with compliance with electoral regulations remaining a critical factor in determining candidates’ eligibility.
