INEC Excludes Key PDP and NDC Candidates for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded several significant governorship candidates from its final list ahead of the February 6, 2027 elections. Notable omissions include Isa Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and Ladi Adebutu, the PDP candidate in Ogun State.

Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in Kano State, was also excluded. In Bauchi, four parties (Social Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Action Alliance, and Accord Party) lost their candidates entirely.

INEC's documents did not provide reasons for these exclusions. The Supreme Court had recently restored key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulate that candidates must be on the membership register submitted to INEC.

Pantami's exclusion followed a court ruling that nullified his original nomination due to procedural violations, despite winning a repeat primary on September 29. Adebutu's absence is linked to concerns over his membership status, although the PDP maintains he is a registered member.