The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under scrutiny following the publication of its final lists of governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, with several high-profile aspirants, including Isa Ali Pantami and Ladi Adebutu, missing from the lists. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is engaging the commission to resolve the omissions in line with electoral laws and established guidelines.
Key Highlights
- INEC’s final governorship lists have omitted several high-profile candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
- PDP says it is engaging INEC over the exclusion of Isa Ali Pantami, Ladi Adebutu and other aspirants.
- Pantami is missing from the Gombe State list, while Adebutu is absent from the Ogun State list.
- The NDC has also questioned the omission of its Kano governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
- The exclusions have raised questions about compliance with party membership-register requirements under the Electoral Act 2026.
- INEC’s published lists reportedly did not provide detailed explanations for the affected candidates’ omissions.
- The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship elections are set for February 6.
INEC’s Final 2027 Governorship Lists Trigger Political Reactions
INEC’s publication of the final governorship candidate lists has generated reactions from political parties and stakeholders, particularly over the omission of candidates who had previously participated in party nomination processes.
Among those reportedly missing are former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami, who sought the PDP governorship ticket in Gombe State, and Ogun State politician Ladi Adebutu, also associated with the PDP.
The list for Kano State reportedly excludes Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and his running mate. Candidates from several other parties were also reportedly omitted in Bauchi State.
The commission’s published documents, reportedly signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, did not expressly explain each exclusion, leaving affected parties seeking clarification.
PDP Engages INEC Over Pantami, Adebutu’s Omission
The PDP has acknowledged the omissions and said it is working with INEC to address the issues affecting its candidates.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the PDP was concerned about the development and had begun discussions with the commission.
The party said it was engaging INEC “to address the issues responsible for the omissions, with a view to securing an amicable resolution in accordance with the law and established electoral guidelines.”
The PDP also appealed to affected candidates, party members and supporters to remain calm and avoid actions or statements that could undermine the ongoing discussions.
It promised to provide further information as the engagement progresses.
Why Pantami and Adebutu Were Reportedly Excluded
The reported omissions have been linked to a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, which restored key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 concerning political party membership registers and candidate nominations.
The provisions cited in reports include Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2). They concern the submission of party membership registers and eligibility to participate in party primaries, congresses and conventions.
Under the requirements described in the reports, parties must submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before the relevant primaries, congresses or conventions. Non-compliance could affect a party’s ability to field candidates.
The rules have reportedly become a major factor in the dispute over the final candidate lists. However, the specific reasons for each candidate’s exclusion should be distinguished from the broader legal requirements, particularly where INEC has not publicly provided an individual explanation.
Pantami’s Gombe Candidacy Raises Questions
Pantami’s omission has attracted attention because his earlier governorship primary was reportedly nullified by a Federal High Court in Gombe, which ordered a rerun that he subsequently won in late September.
Despite that development, his name did not appear on the final list, according to reports.
The situation has raised questions about how the court-ordered rerun, the party’s nomination process and the membership-register requirements were applied in his case.
Further clarification from the commission and the affected party would be necessary to establish the precise basis for his exclusion.
Adebutu’s Ogun Candidacy Also Affected
Adebutu’s absence from the Ogun State list has similarly raised questions about the PDP’s nomination process and compliance with the membership-register rules.
Reports have linked the dispute to questions raised by civil society groups over whether his name appeared on the party membership register submitted to INEC. The PDP has reportedly rejected claims surrounding the issue.
With the final list published, the party’s engagement with INEC could determine whether the matter is resolved administratively or proceeds through further legal action.
Read also:
- PDP Engaging INEC Over Omission Of Adebutu, Pantami From 2027 Governorship List
- 2027 Elections: APC Urges INEC to Enforce Supreme Court Ruling on Party Membership Registers
- 2027 Elections: Makinde Pledges One-Term Presidency as INEC Excludes Pantami, Clears Wike Ally
- Atiku Challenges INEC Over Staff Redeployments, Secret Ballot Printing Contracts Ahead of 2027 Elections
NDC Questions Gwarzo’s Omission in Kano
The NDC has also challenged the reported omission of its Kano governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and his running mate.
The party has signalled that it may consider legal options over the development.
The dispute highlights how the Supreme Court judgment and the rules governing party membership registers may affect candidates across different political parties, rather than only the PDP.
INEC has previously indicated that parties that fail to meet the applicable requirements risk being barred from fielding affected candidates, with limited room for substitution under the relevant rules.
INEC 2027 Election Timetable
Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place in two main phases, according to the timetable published by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
As the polls approach, disputes over candidate eligibility, party primaries and compliance with electoral laws are likely to remain significant issues for political parties and the commission.
The PDP’s engagement with INEC is the latest development in the dispute over the final governorship lists. The outcome will depend on the applicable legal requirements and any further clarification or decisions by the relevant authorities.
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