INEC publishes 2027 National Assembly candidate list: 4,408 contenders, 443 women

INEC released the final list of candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections, showing 4,408 contenders vying for Senate and House of Representatives seats. The lists comprise 1,195 Senate candidates and 3,213 House candidates, with the presidential and National Assembly polls set for January 16, 2027 and governorship elections for February 6, 2027.

Gender disparity is stark: 3,965 candidates are male while only 443 are female. In the Senate, 1,080 men and 115 women are running; in the House, 2,885 men and 328 women. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) fielded the highest number of female candidates—11 for the Senate and 42 for the House—yet women still make up just over 10 percent of all contenders.

This low female participation raises concerns about whether the upcoming legislature will adequately address women's issues and reflect Nigeria's diversity. With parties varying widely in their support for women candidates, voters may consider which parties prioritize gender inclusion as they prepare for the 2027 polls.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/13/2027-inec-releases-final-nass-candidate-list/