The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the date for publishing the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC disclosed the date following a world press conference addressed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, in Abuja. The commission said the publication is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections and will provide the final candidate details for the state-level contests.
According to the electoral body, 21 of Nigeria’s 22 registered political parties submitted candidates for the governorship and State Assembly elections. The submissions comprised 936 governorship and deputy governorship candidates and 9,692 candidates seeking seats in various State Houses of Assembly.
The final list is expected to incorporate changes arising from the nomination process, including withdrawals, substitutions and other adjustments made by political parties before the completion of the statutory process.
INEC had earlier published the personal particulars of candidates nominated for the governorship and State Assembly elections. It also released the final list of candidates for the National Assembly elections on September 12, 2026.
The commission’s latest announcement is significant because the final candidate list will give voters, political parties, election observers and other stakeholders an authoritative reference ahead of the 2027 polls.
INEC also said it remains committed to neutrality, operational efficiency and the integrity of the electoral process as preparations enter a critical phase. The commission has urged political parties and candidates to comply with electoral rules and timelines.
The 2027 elections will feature contests for the presidency, National Assembly, governorships and State Houses of Assembly. INEC’s current election schedule places the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The October 10 publication will therefore mark another important milestone in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, as parties and candidates intensify campaigns and voter mobilisation across the country.
