The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, with notable absences, including some prominent political figures.
Missing from the list are former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Ned Nwoko, and former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje, as their names were not submitted by their political parties.
This publication follows the conclusion of party primaries and the resolution of disputes over nominations.
In Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko did not secure a spot on the All Progressives Congress (APC) list after losing the senatorial ticket. INEC’s final list includes former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the APC candidate for the senatorial seat, confirming Nwoko’s exclusion despite his challenges to the primary election outcome.
Similarly, in Gombe State, former Governor Danjuma Goje was left off the APC’s candidates’ list after losing in the primary election. Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed was chosen as the party’s senatorial candidate.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was absent from the list, quelling speculation about his return to elective politics under the nominations submitted to INEC.
The final list from INEC is expected to influence political campaigns nationwide as parties gear up for the 2027 elections.
Political analysts note that the exclusion of several high-profile figures highlights the growing role of party primaries and internal selection processes, with many established politicians unable to secure nominations despite their stature.
With this final list released, focus will likely shift to campaigning and potential legal challenges ahead of the polls.
