INEC Omits PDP Candidates from Gombe and Ogun Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) omitted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates from the final lists for the February 6, 2027, governorship elections in Gombe and Ogun states.

In Gombe State, INEC excluded former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami. Although Pantami appeared on the provisional list in August and won a court-ordered fresh primary on September 29, the omission follows a September 24 Supreme Court ruling. That ruling restored sections of the Electoral Act 2026 which prohibit parties from fielding candidates not included in the membership register submitted to INEC on time.

In Ogun State, INEC excluded PDP candidate Ladi Adebutu and running mate Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo. While INEC has not publicly stated a reason for this specific exclusion, civil society groups previously alleged that Adebutu was missing from the PDP membership register. The PDP State Publicity Secretary in Ogun noted the party had not yet confirmed the report.

Spokesperson Suleiman Mohammed described the Gombe omission as a "temporary challenge and a normal part of the electoral process, not a final determination, in sha Allah," stating that legal teams are working with INEC to rectify the situation.