INEC Sets October 29 Meeting To Review Petitions Over Omitted 2027 Governorship Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to consider petitions challenging the omission of several candidates from its list for the 2027 general elections at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 29.

According to Bush Radio Academy, commission sources disclosed that INEC received numerous complaints from political parties and candidates after publishing the particulars of those seeking elective offices ahead of the elections.

The petitions reportedly concern several governorship candidates, including former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, who is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, and the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu.

Others include Aminu Gwarzo and Senator Danjuma Laah, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidates in Kano and Kaduna states, respectively, as well as Sebastine Hon, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) governorship nominee in Benue State.

Sources within the commission said the 14-day period allowed for submitting petitions ended on Saturday, with complaints received before the deadline now undergoing review by the relevant departments.

One source disclosed that petitions were still being submitted on the final day of the exercise, adding that the commission had prepared a preliminary report before the deadline expired.

However, the source explained that a final report and decision could only be reached after the petition window had officially closed.

Another commission source said the complaints had been forwarded to the INEC chairman and were being examined by the appropriate departments to provide the necessary guidance ahead of the commission’s meeting.

Although the sources did not disclose the total number of petitions received or the number of political parties involved, they maintained that all complaints would be handled in accordance with the law.

Responding to questions about Pantami’s case and those of other affected candidates, a source said the commission would consider all petitions submitted within the stipulated period, irrespective of the individuals involved.

The source also linked the timing of the meeting to the ongoing zonal tour by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The chairman was expected to return from the tour on Wednesday, paving the way for the meeting the following day.

The planned review is expected to address concerns raised by affected candidates and political parties over their omission from the published list. INEC’s decisions could have significant implications for the parties and candidates seeking to participate in the 2027 electoral process.