INEC gives parties October 24 deadline to challenge omitted 2027 candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted political parties until October 24 to challenge the omission of their candidates from the final list for the 2027 Governorship elections. This deadline aligns with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which allows a 14-day window for parties to notify INEC of any errors they believe have occurred.

The announcement comes amid controversy over the exclusion of several prominent politicians, including the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe states, Oladipupo Adebutu and Isa Ali Pantami, respectively. The omissions have led to protests and calls for clarification from affected parties and candidates, with some threatening legal action to secure their inclusion.

The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s September 24 judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which upheld the constitutionality of provisions governing political party membership registers and candidate nominations.

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