The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 66 petitions out of 130 complaints received over the final lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC approves 66 petitions
The commission disclosed this in a press statement issued by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, 69 petitions were received from 12 political parties across 26 states concerning the governorship election, out of which 41 were successful, while 28 were rejected.
For the state Houses of Assembly elections, the commission said it received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states, with 25 succeeding and 36 failing.
INEC explained that the complaints arose from the omission of some political parties, wrongful inclusion of candidates whose names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their parties, and alleged cases of multiple nominations.
It stated that, following a review of the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions, some representations were found to have merit, leading to the approval of affected candidates and political parties.
The commission added that some candidates whose names were wrongfully published were removed after verification established that they were not listed in their respective party membership registers.
It also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with applicable legal requirements.
INEC noted that decisions affecting some state Houses of Assembly candidates were based on specific complaints received and determined in line with the law and its established criteria.
The commission further stated that the affected candidates, political parties and states would be reflected in an updated list to be published on its website.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
