The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, bringing an end to months of political uncertainty.

 

However, the list has sparked widespread reactions following the exclusion of several prominent political figures.

Notably absent is former President Good luck Jonathan, whose name was earlier submitted by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by  as its presidential candidate.

Other high-profile politicians missing from the final list include Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Ogun State Governor, former Gombe State Governor, Danjuma Goje and Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi State.

The exclusion of Ned Nwoko confirms his earlier defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries. His name was absent from the INEC list displayed in Asaba, Delta State, where former Governor  emerged as the APC candidate for Delta North Senatorial District.

This development comes despite earlier assurances from Senate President  that aggrieved lawmakers who lost party primaries would have their complaints reviewed. Although the APC reinstated six serving senators after reviewing petitions, several influential figures were ultimately left out.

In Gombe State, Danjuma Goje failed to secure the APC ticket, losing to retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed. Meanwhile, on the PDP platform, former Governor  clinched the ticket for Gombe North, while Senator  emerged as candidate for Gombe South.

In Bauchi State, Senator  and House of Representatives member  were also absent from the final list. Buba opted not to seek re-election after defecting to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), where he secured the governorship ticket, while Soro had earlier withdrawn from contesting any elective position.

The APC’s review of its primaries, which affected nine states, resulted in the reinstatement of six senators, including Sunday Karimi, Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, Shuaibu Isa Lau, Adeniyi Adegbonmire and Olajide Ipinsagba.

In Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne replaced Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu as the APC candidate for Abia South. One of the most notable reversals during the review process was the overturning of former Benue State Governor ’s victory in favour of incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende.

With the publication of the final list, INEC has effectively concluded the candidate selection process for the 2027 elections, confirming those eligible to contest while leaving several political heavyweights out of the race.