The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to determine the fate of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, following their omission from the commission’s final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship elections.
INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed that the commission would deliberate on the matter at its meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Pantami is seeking the PDP ticket for the Gombe State governorship election, while Adebutu is the party’s candidate for Ogun State. Both politicians were among several aspirants whose names were missing from the final list released by INEC on October 10.
Other affected politicians include Aminu Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, and Danjuma Laah, the party’s candidate in Kaduna State. Several candidates from other parties in Bauchi State were also excluded.
Why INEC Excluded the Candidates
The electoral commission attributed the omissions to the failure of the affected political parties to submit their membership registers within the period stipulated by law.
The development followed a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, which upheld provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 requiring political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC before conducting valid primaries, congresses and conventions.
According to the commission, the affected parties were required to submit their registers between April 21 and May 10, 2026. INEC maintained that compliance with the legal requirements was necessary for parties to sponsor candidates in the forthcoming elections.
PDP Challenges the Decision
The PDP has rejected the exclusion of its candidates, insisting that it fulfilled the necessary requirements for their nomination.
The party has engaged INEC over the matter and explored legal options to secure the reinstatement of the affected candidates.
In Ogun State, the party described Adebutu’s omission as an error, expressing confidence that his name would be restored. Meanwhile, Pantami’s camp has indicated its readiness to pursue available legal remedies.
The controversy has also prompted complaints from other affected political parties, which are urging INEC to review its decision.
What Happens Next?
The commission’s meeting is expected to provide further clarity on whether the omitted candidates will be included in a revised list ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship elections.
Until INEC announces its decision, the political future of the affected aspirants remains uncertain, with their participation in the elections dependent on the resolution of the dispute.
