The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, bringing to a close months of party nominations, substitutions and internal disputes, while confirming the exclusion of several high-profile politicians from the ballot.
Among the prominent names absent from the commission’s final publication are former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Ned Nwoko and former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje, despite political speculation and claims by supporters that some of them would ultimately secure places on the ballot.
The publication of the final candidates’ list marks the conclusion of INEC‘s statutory nomination process after political parties completed candidate substitutions and the commission concluded the review of nominations submitted in accordance with the Electoral Act.
Political observers say the omissions reflect the outcome of internal party contests, leadership disputes and the commission’s verification process, which determined the names eligible to appear on the final list.
Reports indicate that Jonathan, whose name had been linked to the presidential ticket of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not make the final register released by the electoral body. Senator Ned Nwoko was also excluded from the published list following developments surrounding his party’s nomination process, while Danjuma Goje was similarly absent.
The release of the final list is expected to shift attention from party nomination battles to campaign preparations as candidates begin nationwide consultations ahead of the official commencement of electioneering activities.
Although several parties had challenged nomination outcomes through internal appeals and legal processes, INEC’s publication is regarded as the authoritative record of candidates qualified to contest the various elective offices, subject to any further orders of competent courts where applicable.
Political analysts believe the exclusion of some influential figures could reshape campaign strategies and electoral calculations in a number of states, particularly where the affected politicians command significant political followings.
INEC has urged political parties, candidates and the electorate to acquaint themselves with the published list and continue to comply with the electoral timetable as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
