The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will publish the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking a key milestone in Nigeria’s electoral calendar. The announcement was made during a world press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, with INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan confirming the date. This publication follows the earlier release of the final list for National Assembly candidates on September 12, 2026, and is part of INEC’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming general elections.
INEC disclosed that 21 out of the 22 registered political parties have submitted candidates for both governorship and State House of Assembly positions. The commission received a total of 936 nominations for governorship and deputy governorship races across the country. Additionally, 9,692 candidates were nominated for various State House of Assembly seats, reflecting broad participation from political parties nationwide. These figures highlight the scale of competition expected at the state level in the 2027 elections.
The electoral body emphasized that the final list to be released on October 10 will include any changes resulting from withdrawals, substitutions, or other adjustments made during the nomination process. This ensures transparency and accuracy in the candidate registration process. INEC had previously published the personal particulars of all nominated candidates as required under the official electoral timetable, allowing voters and stakeholders to review the information before the final confirmation.
In its update, INEC also noted that 18 of the 22 registered political parties submitted 36 presidential and vice-presidential candidates. This indicates strong engagement at the national level, even as attention shifts to state-level contests. The commission provided additional updates on voter registration, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), election technology, and funding arrangements, underscoring its commitment to conducting credible and efficient elections.
The publication of the final list is expected to trigger increased campaign activities by political parties and candidates. It will also enable voters to make informed decisions as they prepare for the polls. With just over a year remaining until the elections, INEC’s actions are seen as critical steps toward ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the timely release of candidate lists reinforces public confidence in the electoral system. The final list will serve as an official record for all stakeholders, including political parties, media, civil society, and voters, setting the stage for a well-organized electoral season.
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