“WHY ARE WE MISSING?” — CANDIDATES, PARTIES QUERY INEC

Political parties and candidates have protested the omission of their names from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 elections.

The INEC final list omission 2027 controversy has affected several prominent candidates, including Atiku Abubakar’s allies and other major political figures.

THE OMISSIONS

INEC published its final list of candidates for various positions on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Several prominent candidates were missing.

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In Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate, and his running mate were omitted.

In Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the PDP governorship candidate, was omitted. Other parties and candidates across the country also reported omissions.

THE REACTIONS

The affected parties and candidates have reacted with anger and disbelief.

The Ogun PDP blamed the APC for mounting “undue pressure” on INEC. Adebutu, in a direct address to the people of Ogun State, insisted he remained a duly registered PDP member and that his documentation was submitted within the prescribed time.

The Pantami camp described the omission as “a temporary challenge” and said its legal team was engaging with INEC.

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, a registered political party that discovers its candidate’s name is missing must notify INEC in writing within 14 days of publication.

The notification must be signed by the party’s national chairman and secretary and supported by an affidavit. The affected parties have 14 days from October 10 to file the notification.

WHY IT MATTERS

The omissions have raised serious questions about INEC’s processes and about the fairness of the 2027 election.

If the omissions are the result of administrative errors, they should be corrected. If they are the result of non-compliance with the law, they should be explained.

Either way, INEC owes Nigerians an explanation. ValidViewNetwork reports that the affected parties are pursuing legal and administrative remedies.