The pro-democracy organisation demands an investigation into the exclusion of opposition candidates from the final list, raising concerns about transparency and electoral fairness.
The Campaign for Democracy (CD), a Nigerian pro-democracy organisation, has questioned the impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the omission of some political party candidates from the final list for the 2027 general elections.
The group expressed particular concern over the exclusion of governorship candidates, warning that any action capable of undermining political pluralism and participatory democracy could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
In a statement signed by its president, Ifeanyi Odili, the organisation said some candidates whose names appeared on an earlier list published by INEC on August 29, 2026, were missing from the final list without an immediate explanation.
Among the affected candidates cited by the group were the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Isa Pantami, and its candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, alongside his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo.
The organisation said the omissions raised questions about the commission’s independence, transparency and preparedness to conduct credible and inclusive elections.
CD demands investigation
The group called for an investigation into allegations circulating publicly that some candidates’ names had been electronically removed after their details were submitted to the electoral commission.
It maintained that the affected candidates had emerged through party primaries monitored by INEC and argued that any changes to the final list should be accompanied by clear explanations grounded in the law.
The organisation also warned political actors against actions that could create the impression that opposition candidates could be excluded through administrative decisions without transparent justification or due process.
CD said it was prepared to mobilise citizens and civil society organisations for lawful civic action if it considered political pluralism threatened.
INEC’s response
INEC has published a clarification concerning the omission of some candidates from the final list for the 2027 governorship elections. The commission’s response is an important part of the developing issue and should be considered alongside the concerns raised by the Campaign for Democracy.
The dispute comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, when candidate eligibility and the credibility of the electoral process are likely to remain central issues.
The commission’s handling of the omissions, including the reasons provided for each affected candidate, will be important in determining whether the concerns can be resolved through established electoral and legal procedures.