A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 48 hours to explain why his name is missing from the final list of candidates. Toba Olusegun Peter says he is the party’s duly nominated candidate.
Peter, through his lawyer, Anderson Asemota, also threatened legal action if the commission fails to respond. The letter is dated 14 October 2026 and addressed to the INEC Chairman.
Aspirant says he was left off the list
INEC published the final list of governorship candidates on 10 October for the 6 February 2027 election. The list excluded the PDP from the race in Ogun State.
Asemota argued that his client met all nomination requirements and deserves an explanation. “Our Client briefed us, and we verily believe him that he is the duly nominated gubernatorial candidate,” he wrote.
According to the lawyer, Peter obtained his expression-of-interest and nomination forms on 12 May 2026. He then took part in the party’s governorship primary on 27 May.
The letter adds that Peter appears as entry number 15783 on the PDP membership register submitted to INEC. The party filed the register in line with Section 77 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Peter, however, has received no written reasons for the omission. Nor has he been told of any objection that may have led to the decision, the letter says.
Lawyer cites the Electoral Act
Asemota cited Sections 29 and 32 of the Act. He said they oblige INEC to publish the particulars of nominated candidates, subject to the law and any binding court decision.
He also pointed to Section 77(5). It states that only members whose names are on the register can vote and be voted for in party primaries, congresses and conventions.
The lawyer acknowledged the Supreme Court’s judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party (SC/CV/495/2026). However, he said it should be applied to the specific facts and records of his client’s case.
“Our Client does not invite the Commission to disregard that decision,” the letter stated. Instead, it asks INEC to apply the law as the Supreme Court interpreted it to the PDP’s actual records.
What the lawyer wants from INEC
Asemota asked the commission to check three things:
- whether Peter’s name is on the register the PDP submitted
- whether the statutory requirements were met
- whether any court order or other lawful basis exists for excluding him
He wants the verification completed within 48 hours of INEC receiving the letter. He also wants a written explanation of the findings.
If the records confirm Peter’s nomination and there is no lawful reason to exclude him, the lawyer wants INEC to publish a supplementary or amended list. It should carry Peter’s name as the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State. He also asked for written confirmation of the steps taken and the outcome.
Court action possible
Asemota warned that Peter has told his lawyers to consider going to court if INEC fails to respond. The same applies if the omission persists without a lawful and properly explained basis.
He said the suit would seek declaratory, mandatory and consequential reliefs, plus costs.
Still, the lawyer stressed that the letter does not ask INEC to take over the role of the courts. “We ask it to review the relevant records and perform its statutory functions lawfully,” he wrote. He urged the commission to treat the matter as urgent.
