The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why some political parties’ governorship candidates were excluded from its final list for the February 6, 2027, elections, citing non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, the commission said the exclusions followed a Supreme Court judgment requiring political parties to submit their membership registers before conducting valid primaries.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to the commission, the Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on September 24 in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026, upheld the constitutionality of Section 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The provisions require political parties to submit their membership registers as a prerequisite for valid party primaries.

INEC explained that the judgment overturned the basis of an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had nullified the relevant provisions of the law.

The commission added that the Supreme Court also upheld its timetable requiring political parties to submit their membership registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026.

It said the court ruled that parties that failed to comply with the statutory requirements were ineligible to sponsor candidates for the elections.

“Furthermore, the Court held that failure to comply with the provisions of Section 77(5)–(7), renders the defaulting political parties ineligible to sponsor any candidate for the election,” the statement read.

INEC said it applied the Supreme Court’s decision when preparing the final list of governorship candidates, excluding parties that failed to meet the requirements.

The commission maintained that its action was consistent with Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires compliance with decisions of superior courts.

However, INEC said political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly omitted could seek redress under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

It stated that affected parties had 14 days from the publication of the relevant list to notify the commission of any alleged wrongful omission.

“The deadline is 24th October, 2026,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid concerns over the exclusion of several candidates from the final list ahead of the February 6, 2027, governorship elections.

In Kano State, the Kwankwassiyya Movement has vowed to engage INEC over the omission of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, and his running mate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, said the development came as a surprise, insisting that the candidates had fulfilled the requirements for registration.

Speaking on Arise Television, Mohammed said the movement would explore the legal options available to the affected candidates.

“It came as a shock because there had been no issue with INEC. Kwankwas, a former deputy governor, is registered with the NDC and met the stipulated deadline,” he said.

He added that the movement would engage the commission and pursue available legal remedies, while maintaining that it was unaware of any court judgment or order that could have justified the omission.

The NDC, meanwhile, described the omission as an error and said it was seeking a correction.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also begun engaging INEC over the omission of its governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe states.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the PDP was working towards an amicable resolution in accordance with the law and established electoral guidelines.

The party assured affected candidates, members and supporters that it was treating the matter seriously and would provide updates as developments unfolded.

It also urged those affected to remain calm and patient while discussions with the commission continued, warning against statements or actions that could undermine the engagement.

INEC had published its final list of governorship candidates on Saturday. The list, signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contained 13 candidates in Ogun State and 16 in Gombe State but excluded the PDP candidates in both states.

Those omitted included Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, and Isa Ali Pantami, the party’s candidate in Gombe State.