INEC GIVES PARTIES OCTOBER 24 DEADLINE TO CHALLENGE CANDIDATE OMISSIONS

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given political parties until October 24 to report the omission of their candidates from the final lists released for the 2027 governorship elections.

The commission said the deadline was intended to enable affected parties to formally notify it of any discrepancies involving candidates whose names were missing from the published lists.

INEC explained that the preparation of the lists followed the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and a September 24 Supreme Court judgment in the case involving the commission and the Zenith Labour Party.

According to the commission, compliance with requirements concerning party membership registers was among the issues considered in finalising the candidates' lists.

The clarification comes amid concerns raised by political parties over the absence of some candidates from the lists. The affected parties have been seeking explanations and possible remedies.

INEC's position underscores the importance of political parties complying with statutory requirements and electoral timelines, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

The commission has maintained that electoral procedures must be followed, while affected parties are expected to use the prescribed channels to address complaints.

With the October 24 deadline approaching, attention is expected to focus on whether the parties concerned can resolve the reported omissions within the time allowed.