INEC approves 66 petitions, rejects 64 over 2027 governorship, assembly candidate lists

By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 66 petitions and rejected 64 others following complaints over the final lists of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC).

According to the Commission, it received 69 petitions from 12 political parties across 26 states in respect of the governorship election. Of the number, 41 were successful, while 28 were rejected.

For the State Houses of Assembly elections, INEC said it received 61 petitions from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five of the petitions succeeded, while 36 failed.

The Commission noted that the complaints bordered on the omission of political parties, wrongful inclusion of candidates whose names were absent from their parties’ membership registers, and alleged multiple nominations.

INEC explained that its review of the complaints, relevant records, and applicable legal provisions led to the approval of some affected candidates and political parties, while names found to have been wrongfully published were removed.

It also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations failed to meet legal requirements.

The Commission added that the affected candidates, political parties, and states would be reflected in an updated list to be published on its website.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process..
.