Why we Disqualified Pantami, Adebutu, Gwarzo from 2027 Guber Race – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended its decision to exclude several prominent aspirants from the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship elections, citing failure by their political parties to comply with statutory requirements on membership registers.

Among those affected are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates Isa Pantami in Gombe State and Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State, whose names were missing despite Pantami’s court-ordered primary victory and Adebutu’s emergence as the party’s flagbearer.

In a statement signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC explained that the exclusions were based on the Supreme Court’s September 24, 2026 ruling in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party (Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026). 

The judgment upheld Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates parties to submit membership registers within a set timeframe.

The commission noted that parties failing to meet this obligation were barred from fielding candidates, and INEC was bound to implement the ruling under Section 287(1) of the Constitution.

While the PDP in Ogun accused the ruling APC of influencing the decision, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong urged INEC to maintain neutrality.

INEC further clarified that the final lists of presidential and National Assembly candidates had been published before the Supreme Court ruling, but governorship lists were compiled afterward in line with the judgment.

Parties disputing exclusions have until October 24, 2026, to notify INEC, as provided under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act. 

The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, rule of law, and electoral integrity.

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