INEC Clears Isa Ali Pantami for Gombe Governorship Race

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated the candidate lists for the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections following a review of petitions from political parties. The commission upheld 66 petitions and rejected 64, a process triggered by the initial publication of candidate lists on October 10, 2026.

Among the most prominent decisions, INEC restored former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami to the list of candidates for the Gombe State governorship. Pantami, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had been omitted due to the party's alleged failure to submit its membership register. His clearance, along with that of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Aminu Gwarzo in Kano State, remains subject to the outcome of pending litigation.

Conversely, the commission rejected the petition of PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State, noting his name was absent from the original list submitted by his party. These determinations follow a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment that mandated the submission of party membership registers under the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC officials stated that the commission approved the inclusion of candidates where representations had merit, while removing those whose nominations were inconsistent with legal requirements. The commission intends to publish the finalized updated lists on its official website by October 31, 2026.