The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to decide on petitions challenging the exclusion of several candidates from its list for the 2027 general elections on Thursday, October 29.
Among those whose cases are awaiting consideration are former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami; Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Abdulsalam Gwarzo; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu; and other aggrieved politicians.
The list also includes Senator Danjuma Laah, a governorship candidate in Kaduna State, and Sebastine Hon, the Social Democratic Party’s governorship candidate nominee in Benue State.
Sources within the commission disclosed that INEC had received numerous petitions from political parties and other concerned individuals following the publication of candidates’ particulars ahead of the elections.
The 14-day window provided for challenging the published details expired on Saturday, October 24, with petitions still reaching the commission up to the deadline.
An official familiar with the process said the commission had prepared a preliminary report but would only finalise its findings after the deadline for receiving complaints had elapsed.
The petitions are expected to be examined at the commission’s next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 29.
According to the source, all complaints have been forwarded to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, for consideration, alongside recommendations from the relevant departments.
The official said the commission would examine all the cases in line with the law, including complaints over the omission of Pantami’s name and those of other politicians.
However, the source could not provide the exact number of political parties or individuals that had submitted petitions.
The anticipated meeting comes amid growing controversy over the publication of candidates’ particulars for the 2027 elections, with affected politicians and their supporters seeking clarification over their exclusion.
INEC’s zonal tour, being undertaken by Amupitan ahead of the elections, is also expected to shape the timing of the meeting.
The chairman is expected to visit Gombe State during the tour before returning on Wednesday, ahead of the commission’s planned deliberations the following day.
The outcome of Thursday’s meeting is expected to provide further clarity on the complaints and the commission’s position on the affected candidates.
