Campaign for Democracy Questions INEC's Candidate Exclusions

The Campaign for Democracy (CD), a pro-democracy group in Nigeria, has expressed alarm over the exclusion of specific candidates from the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) list for the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by its president, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, CD highlighted the omission of governorship candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Isa Pantami in Gombe State and Ladi Adebutu along with his deputy Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo in Ogun State.

CD noted that these candidates were previously cleared by INEC in a list published on 29 August 2026. The group criticized the lack of explanation for their exclusion and raised concerns about the timing of these omissions, suggesting potential manipulation by politicians.

CD emphasized the need for INEC to demonstrate impartiality and transparency, stating that the recent clarification from the commission was delayed and insufficient. The group warned that any threats to political pluralism and participatory democracy would be resisted.