2027: INEC rejects Jonathan’s presidential nomination over party nomination dispute

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to accept the presidential nomination of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 general election, citing unresolved issues surrounding his nomination by his political party.

The commission said the decision was based on its commitment to complying with the Electoral Act and the Constitution, stressing that only candidates who emerge through valid and lawful party processes can be recognised.

According to INEC, the commission cannot process or publish the nomination of any aspirant whose emergence is the subject of unresolved internal disputes or fails to meet stipulated legal requirements.

The electoral body explained that political parties are responsible for conducting transparent primaries and submitting candidates in accordance with the law, adding that it would only recognise nominations that satisfy all statutory conditions.

The development has sparked reactions within the affected political party, with supporters of Jonathan insisting that he was duly nominated and urging the commission to reconsider its position.

Party officials argued that the nomination process complied with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.

INEC, however, maintained that its actions were guided strictly by the law and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and impartial electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.