PDP challenges INEC over removal of Pantami, Adebutu from 2027 ballot
The PDP is negotiating with INEC after the electoral body excluded gubernatorial candidates including Isa Pantami and Ladi Adebutu from the February 2027…
The Independent National Electoral Commission has removed several Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candidates from its final roster for the 2027 elections, prompting the party to launch discussions with the electoral body to reverse the decision. The omissions affect candidates across multiple states, with Ladi Adebutu and his running mate in Ogun State and former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami in Gombe State among those excluded from INEC's list released on Saturday.
The PDP's national leadership expressed surprise at the exclusions, with party officials stating they were not prepared for INEC to strike the names of their nominees while retaining candidates from 13 other political parties. The party's National Working Committee has signalled its commitment to resolving the matter through proper channels.
Party spokesperson Jungudo Mohammed confirmed that the PDP is in active discussions with INEC and appealed to affected candidates, party members and supporters to remain patient while the matter is being addressed. The PDP framed its engagement with INEC as proceeding in compliance with electoral law and established procedures.
In a statement released on Sunday, the party indicated that further details would be made available as the situation develops. The party said it is treating the development as a matter requiring urgent attention and is pursuing an amicable resolution.
Beyond the PDP, other political parties experienced similar exclusions from INEC's final list. The National Democratic Congress saw its Kano State candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, removed from the ballot.
The African Democratic Congress made a substitution in Adamawa State, replacing its primary winner Engineer Umar Suleiman with Modibo Hamantukur Ribadu, along with running mate Aguiwa Keven Iliya. The reasons cited by INEC for these omissions relate to compliance with electoral requirements, though specific details about individual cases remain unclear.
Sources
- Nigerian Tribune: PDP tackles INEC over omission of Ogun, Gombe guber candidates
- Legit.ng: Full List: PDP, NDC governorship candidates dropped by INEC and Why
- Naijanews: 2027: PDP Gives Update On Candidates Missing From INEC List
- Leadership Newspaper: 2027 Gov Election: Pantami, Adebutu Missing As INEC Releases Final List
- Punch Newspapers: 2027 gov list: PDP engages INEC over omission of Adebutu, Pantami, others
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