INEC Names Isa Pantami as PDP Candidate for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released an updated list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 elections, reinstating Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, listed as Ibrahim Isa Ali, with Haruna Ahmadu Hasan as his running mate. Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, and his running mate Rabiu Mustapha were not included due to a "Court Order" notation indicating a legal restriction.

Ladi Adebutu, the PDP's candidate in Ogun State, also remains off the list after INEC rejected his petition for reinstatement. The initial list published on October 10, 2026, excluded several candidates due to disputes over compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates submission of membership registers prior to valid primaries.

Following a Supreme Court judgment on September 24 affirming this requirement, INEC reviewed 130 petitions from various political parties, upholding 66 and rejecting 64.