As preparations intensify for Nigeria’s upcoming general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its official candidate list, confirming that 57 incumbent senators have secured their respective party tickets to contest seats in the 11th National Assembly.

While political realignments continue—including high-profil platorms like former figures finalizing arrangements within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—the published roster provides a clear snapshot of the legislative lineup heading into the polls.

 

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### Sweeps in Lagos, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, and Borno

 

In several key states, incumbent senators successfully cleared party primaries to secure return tickets across all senatorial districts:

 

* **Lagos State:** All three serving senators retained their party backing—Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), Adebule Idiat Oluranti (Lagos West), and Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun (Lagos Central).

* **Ekiti State:** The state's legislative trio secured clearance to seek re-election, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Yemi Adaramodu, and Senator Fasuyi Cyril Oluwole.

* **Akwa Ibom State:** Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North-West), alongside Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) and Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), secured their respective tickets.

* **Borno State:** All three serving lawmakers from the state, including veteran legislator Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, were cleared to contest.

 

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### Key Electoral Act Provisions on Withdrawals and Substitutions

 

Although INEC has published the current list of candidates, the legal framework allows political parties limited flexibility to adjust their rosters under specific conditions before the polls.

 

Under the **Electoral Act 2026**:

 

* **Section 31 (Voluntary Withdrawal):** A candidate may withdraw by submitting a formal written notice accompanied by a sworn affidavit to their nominating party. The party must deliver these documents to INEC at least **90 days** prior to election day.

* **Section 33 (Candidate Substitution):** Party substitutions are strictly limited to instances of a candidate's death or voluntary withdrawal in compliance with statutory timelines.

* **Publication Requirement:** INEC is required to publish the final names and addresses of all nominated candidates at least **60 days** before the election.

 

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### The Road to January 2027

 

With the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for **January 16, 2027**, political parties retain a narrow administrative window to process any lawful withdrawals or substitutions. As the 90-day pre-election deadline approaches, minor shifts could still alter the final candidate line-up before campaign season reaches its peak.