The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Nigeria. The list, signed by INEC's Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was published on the commission's website. The release of the final list confirms that all incumbent candidates re-contesting in the next year's February poll have been cleared.
Notably, Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate are missing from the final list. Similarly, Gombe State PDP candidate, Isa Ali Pantami, is also absent from the list. Pantami's absence is linked to a legal dispute over the process that produced him as the PDP's governorship candidate. A Federal High Court in Gombe nullified his initial emergence and ordered a fresh primary within 30 days.
Adebutu's omission is reportedly due to concerns over his name's absence from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC. The commission has given political parties 14 days to notify them in writing if any candidates' names are missing, supported by an affidavit from the national chairman and secretary. INEC's regulations require parties to correct any typographical errors or omissions within a specified timeframe.
The final list shows variations in the number of political parties fielding candidates across states. While 13 parties nominated candidates in some states, 18 parties did so in others. In Abia State, 15 political parties, including the incumbent, Alex Otti, and other candidates, made the list. The number of parties and candidates varies across states, with some states having more parties and candidates than others.
In Ogun State, several candidates have been listed for the governorship election, including Okewole Shuaib Olaniyi of the Accord Party, Awofala Awolola Awoniyi of the Action Alliance, and Lawal Jimi Adebisi of the ADC. Other candidates include Anifowose John Kayode of the Action Democratic Party, Adeola Solomon Olamilekan of the APC, and Babajide Rotimi Mathew of the Allied Peoples Movement.
The Ijebu East PDP ICT, Media and Publicity Committee has described the news of Adebutu's omission as "totally false, baseless, and a deliberate propaganda" sponsored by opposition parties. According to the committee, what INEC displayed recently is a routine preliminary list for public display, claims, and objections, not the final list. The committee stated that INEC has its own official timetable and does not release its final list in this manner.
The release of the final list marks a significant step in the electoral process, with the elections set to take place in February 2027. A total of 13 political parties will contest in Borno state, while in Adamawa, the incumbent, Aminu Galadima, will battle 17 opposition party candidates for the governorship seat. INEC's move is aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.
Key points
- INEC releases final list of gubernatorial and State Assembly candidates, clearing all incumbent candidates.
- Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and Gombe State PDP candidate, Isa Ali Pantami, are missing from the final list.
- The final list shows variations in the number of political parties fielding candidates across states, with 13 to 18 parties participating in different states.
