The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections.
Pantami, who emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State after a fresh primary on September 29, was absent from the list containing 16 candidates for the state. Adebutu, the party’s candidate in Ogun State, was also omitted from the list of 13 candidates published by the electoral commission.
The omissions have prompted concern within the PDP, with the party confirming that it is engaging INEC to address the issue through the appropriate legal and electoral procedures.
Pantami’s exclusion follows a court dispute over the process that produced him as the party’s candidate, while questions have also been raised about Adebutu’s membership registration and compliance with electoral requirements.
Both candidates and their supporters have expressed hope that the matter can be resolved. Adebutu maintains that he fulfilled the party membership and nomination requirements, while Pantami’s camp says its legal and liaison teams are working towards resolving the issue.
INEC’s published lists do not provide specific explanations for the omissions. The development has heightened uncertainty over the PDP’s participation in the two governorship contests as affected parties seek clarification and possible remedies under the law.
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