Pantami, Gwarzo Reveal Next Moves as INEC Deadline Passes Without Decision on Omitted Candidates

According to a report by The Punch on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the political futures of former Communications Minister, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, and ex-Ogun governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, remain unclear after INEC’s Saturday deadline for complaints over omitted candidates expired.

The PDP and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have protested the exclusion of their candidates from the final list for the 2027 elections. However, the commission is yet to say if it will revise the list.

Kano NDC governorship candidate, Aminu Gwarzo, is also affected, putting all three in doubt ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship elections.

INEC blamed the omissions on the Supreme Court’s September 24 judgment in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which upheld sections of the Electoral Act, 2026 requiring parties to submit membership registers and use them for primaries and conventions. The final list was published on October 10.

The PDP says it met all requirements for its Gombe and Ogun candidates. Its spokesman, Mohammed Jungudo, warned that the party may head to court if INEC fails to act within 14 days.

On October 15, PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature filed an affidavit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the omissions.

Adebutu’s campaign media director, Afolabi Orekoya, said they were confident his name would be restored. Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, called the omission an error.

An aide to Pantami said the former minister would pursue legal options. His name appeared on the August 29 provisional list but was missing on October 10, despite winning a court-ordered rerun primary on September 29.

The NDC also rejected Gwarzo’s exclusion and says it will consider legal action.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Achievers Movement has asked INEC to explain its decisions and show that the law was applied fairly to all candidates.

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