INEC Excludes Key Candidates from 2027 Guber Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published its final list of candidates for the governorship elections, scheduled for February 6, 2027. The list notably excludes Ali Pantami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Aminu Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, and Ladi Adebutu of the PDP in Ogun State.

INEC's decision is believed to be connected to a Supreme Court ruling in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which upheld the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.

Pantami, who had previously emerged as a PDP candidate after leaving the APC on May 19, faced legal challenges regarding his candidacy. A Federal High Court in Gombe nullified his election and mandated a fresh primary, which he won on September 29.

However, the Supreme Court ruling on September 24 barred parties from fielding candidates not listed in the membership register submitted to INEC. Gwarzo's removal means he cannot contest the governorship election, and Adebutu's absence raises questions about the PDP's status in Ogun State.