RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to publish an updated list of candidates for the 2027 general elections after reviewing complaints about errors and disputed nominations.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during an interactive session with the commission’s staff from the North-East geopolitical zone in Gombe State.
Amupitan explained that the review became necessary after the commission received complaints concerning misspelled names and cases of double nominations.
According to him, INEC allowed the maximum 14-day period for reviewing the published list to ensure that identified issues were properly examined before releasing an updated version.
He assured political parties, candidates and the public that the outcome of the review would be made available shortly.
The development follows controversy surrounding the omission of some prominent political figures from the commission’s previously published list of candidates.
Among those whose names were reportedly missing were former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, and Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
The omissions generated complaints from affected political parties and supporters, with some questioning the circumstances surrounding the commission’s decisions.
INEC has also faced scrutiny over compliance with electoral requirements governing party membership, candidate nominations and the conduct of political party primaries.
A September 2026 Supreme Court judgment concerning provisions of the Electoral Act further intensified attention on whether parties complied with the legal requirements for nominating candidates.
However, the commission has not indicated that every candidate omitted from the earlier list will automatically be reinstated.
Any correction or inclusion will depend on the applicable electoral laws, verified nomination records and relevant judicial decisions.
The review is expected to provide greater clarity for political parties preparing for the elections and voters seeking accurate information about candidates contesting various offices.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
INEC has urged stakeholders to rely on its official communication channels for authentic electoral information.
The commission has yet to announce a specific date for releasing the revised candidates’ list, although Amupitan indicated that publication was imminent.
