Pantami and Adebutu Await INEC's Decision on Candidacy

Tension is mounting over the political future of Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, and Ladi Adebutu, the party’s candidate in Ogun State, among others, as they await the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision on their petitions regarding omissions from the final list of candidates for the 2027 elections. The uncertainty follows the expiration of the October 24 deadline for political parties and affected individuals to challenge these omissions, which were published on October 10.

INEC has not yet announced its decision on the complaints, although a meeting reportedly scheduled for October 29 may address the petitions. The omissions also affect Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, and others.

The PDP and NDC have protested the exclusions, claiming compliance with nomination requirements. INEC stated that the exclusions were due to non-compliance with membership register requirements under the Electoral Act 2026.

The situation remains unresolved as the parties await INEC's response.