The [Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Democratic_Congress) and the [Social Democratic Party (SDP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_(Nigeria)) have taken divergent routes after some of their governorship aspirants were left off the final list released by the [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://www.inecnigeria.org/) for the 2027 general elections; the NDC is pursuing dialogue, whereas the SDP has moved to court.
Key points:
- The NDC says it has not filed any court case and is currently discussing the matter with INEC, aiming to use the 14‑day correction window provided by the Electoral Act 2026.
- The SDP confirms it has prepared and served an affidavit to INEC, signalling the start of a legal challenge.
- Both parties, along with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have complained about similar omissions.
- Candidates affected include the NDC’s gubernatorial hopeful in Kano, the SDP’s candidate in Benue, and the PDP’s aspirants in Oyo and Gombe.
What is the NDC’s current strategy?
NDC National Publicity Secretary Araba Director told Vanguard that the party is still in talks with INEC, hoping to correct the errors within the statutory 14‑day period. He emphasized that the party is exploring all legal and constitutional avenues to ensure its candidates receive proper recognition.
How is the SDP proceeding?
SDP National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Abiyegba stated that the party has already drafted an affidavit, served it on INEC, and placed its confidence in the judiciary to address the omission. He confirmed that the legal process has been activated.
Which other parties have raised concerns?
The [Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_Democratic_Party_(Nigeria)) also lodged complaints, noting that its gubernatorial candidates in Oyo and Gombe were missing. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) reported a similar issue for its candidate in Cross River.
Specific cases of omission
- In Kano, NDC’s gubernatorial candidate Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo and his running mate Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso were omitted. NDC House of Representatives candidate Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kotamata blamed a data‑entry error and said INEC had assured correction.
- Cross River’s NDC governorship hopeful John Upan Odey Jr described the exclusion as a bureaucratic mistake affecting multiple states.
- PDP’s Oladipupo Adebulu in Ogun State reiterated that his omission does not end his ambition, insisting he completed digital registration on time.
- SDP’s Prof. Sebastian Hon, SAN, in Benue expressed optimism that the judiciary would rectify his exclusion.
What is INEC’s stance?
INEC officials have declined to comment on media reports concerning the missing candidates, stating they will not respond to such reports. The commission has, however, indicated that formal complaints must be lodged to trigger corrective action.
Overall, the affected parties are pursuing a mix of negotiation, legal recourse, and direct engagement with INEC to resolve the discrepancies before the 2027 elections proceed.