The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in Ogun State, over his exclusion from the list of candidates for the 2027 elections. This decision was made at an INEC meeting where complaints from political parties and candidates omitted from the published list were considered. Adebutu's exclusion was upheld, while other candidates, including former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami, were cleared to contest.
According to a top INEC source, the commission received 69 petitions concerning the omission of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates, with about 36 succeeding. Pantami was cleared outright, while Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, was conditionally cleared pending the determination of court cases. Gwarzo's clearance is dependent on the outcome of litigation instituted over his exclusion.
Adebutu had argued that he was a bona fide member of the PDP and had complied with all membership registration requirements. However, his name would not be restored to the list, confirming his unsuccessful bid. The development is linked to INEC's enforcement of Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political parties to submit their membership registers. This move aims to ensure the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
The commission's position was strengthened by a Supreme Court judgement delivered on September 24, 2026, which upheld the provision as constitutional. This judgement has given INEC the legal backing to enforce the submission of membership registers by political parties. As a result, INEC has been able to scrutinize the lists and exclude candidates who do not meet the requirements.
Gwarzo, in a suit filed on October 20, 2026, asked the court to declare his exclusion and that of his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, unlawful and compel INEC to recognise them as the NDC's governorship candidates in Kano State. The court case highlights the ongoing legal battles over candidate qualifications and INEC's decisions. The outcome of this case will determine Gwarzo's eligibility to contest.
Pantami's case is also before the court, with a hearing expected on Friday. His clearance by INEC is a significant development, given his prominent role in the country's digital economy sector. The court's decision on his case will have implications for his candidacy and the overall electoral process.
The exclusion of Adebutu and the conditional clearance of Gwarzo reflect INEC's efforts to enforce electoral laws and ensure that candidates meet the necessary requirements. As the 2027 elections approach, INEC's decisions will continue to shape the political landscape, and candidates will need to comply with the regulations to be eligible to contest.
Key points
- INEC received 69 petitions concerning omitted candidates.
- Adebutu's petition was dismissed.
- Pantami was cleared to contest.
