The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it has no issue with the candidacy of Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State. According to a senior official, Gwarzo had been cleared, but his name could not be published due to an ex parte order issued by a Federal High Court in Kano on October 27. The order restrained INEC from downloading the names of NDC candidates.
The clarification comes after checks by Daily Trust on Saturday revealed that Gwarzo and his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, were still missing from INEC's updated list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates. The commission indicated "Court Order" against the NDC's governorship and deputy governorship positions in Kano State. This development had raised questions about INEC's earlier decision to clear Gwarzo.
INEC had on Thursday considered petitions arising from the omission of candidates from its initial list published on October 10. Following its review, the commission upheld 66 petitions and rejected 64 others relating to governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates across the country. The commission's actions were aimed at addressing concerns and ensuring the accuracy of the candidates' list.
Among those cleared was former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, whose name was subsequently included as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State. This move demonstrates INEC's commitment to ensuring that eligible candidates are included in the list.
The commission's explanation suggests that Gwarzo's continued absence from the Kano list is not a rejection of his candidacy but a consequence of the subsisting court order. The legal restriction is therefore expected to remain a factor in the publication of the party's candidates pending the final outcome of the court proceedings.
INEC's stance on Gwarzo's candidacy is clear: the commission has no objection to his candidacy, and his name will be included once the court order is lifted. This clarification aims to address concerns and speculation surrounding Gwarzo's eligibility to contest in the 2027 elections.
The development highlights the complexities and challenges involved in the electoral process, particularly in ensuring that all eligible candidates are included in the list. INEC's commitment to transparency and fairness is evident in its handling of the matter, and stakeholders will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
Key points
- INEC has no objection to Abdulsalam Gwarzo's candidacy for Kano State governorship.
- A court order is responsible for Gwarzo's omission from the updated list of candidates.
- Gwarzo's candidacy status will be resolved once the court order is lifted.
