Oba Maduabuchi: INEC has no power to disqualify 2027 candidates

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oba Maduabuchi stated on Arise TV that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) possesses no constitutional authority to disqualify candidates for the 2027 general elections. Speaking after INEC released its final candidate list on Friday, October 9, 2026, he pointed to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, noting that neither document grants INEC the power to decide who may contest an election. He described the commission’s actions as ill‑advised, arguing that INEC’s role is limited to conducting elections, not determining candidate eligibility.

This clarification matters because several aspirants were missing from the published list, raising concerns about possible overreach by INEC and its impact on voter confidence. If INEC exceeds its mandate, affected candidates could pursue legal challenges, potentially delaying the electoral process and creating uncertainty for voters about who will appear on the ballot.

Voters should note that candidate qualifications are determined by political parties and statutory requirements, not by INEC. Watch for any court rulings on this issue and consider how disputes over the candidate list might affect the timing and credibility of the 2027 elections.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/12/2027-inec-has-no-power-to-disqualify-candidates-oba-maduabuchi/