The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, to contest the 2027 elections. However, their clearances are subject to the outcomes of pending court cases. According to an INEC source, the commission has no objection to their candidacies but notes that the courts may make decisions affecting their eligibility.
INEC rejected a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, who sought a review of his exclusion from the final list of candidates. Adebutu had challenged his exclusion, maintaining that he remained a registered member of the PDP and had complied with the party's membership registration requirements. The commission's decision on Adebutu's petition was described as unsuccessful.
The INEC source revealed that the commission received 69 petitions from political parties over candidates omitted from the lists for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. About 36 petitions were successful, while the remaining petitions were unsuccessful. The commission is still awaiting final figures from its legal department before issuing an official statement on the decisions.
INEC attributed the omissions to alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, requiring political parties to submit their membership registers. The commission's position follows a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Section 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act, which makes the submission of membership registers mandatory.
Gwarzo approached the court to challenge the omission of his name and that of his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, from INEC's list of governorship candidates in Kano State. In an originating summons dated October 20, 2026, he asked the court to declare their exclusion unlawful and compel INEC to recognise them as the NDC's governorship candidates.
Pantami's candidacy has also been the subject of litigation. The INEC source said a court proceeding involving the matter was expected on Friday, October 30. INEC is expected to issue a formal statement on the outcome of its review. The commission's decisions on Pantami and Gwarzo's candidacies remain subject to the court's final decision.
The development is part of INEC's efforts to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act and ensure a smooth 2027 general election process. The commission's actions have been closely monitored by stakeholders, who are eager to see a transparent and credible electoral process.
Key points
- INEC clears Pantami and Gwarzo for 2027 elections, pending court cases.
- Commission rejects Adebutu's petition, citing unsuccessful challenge to exclusion.
- INEC receives 69 petitions over omitted candidates, with 36 successful and 33 unsuccessful.
