INEC CLEAR PANTAMI FOR 2027 GOMBE GOVERNORSHIP RACE, REJECTS ADEBUTU’S PETITION

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, to participate in the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, subject to the outcome of relevant court proceedings. The commission also rejected a petition submitted by the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, who had requested a review of his exclusion from the published list of candidates, the decisions followed complaints submitted by political parties and candidates whose names were omitted from INEC’s lists ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to reports, an INEC source disclosed that the commission received 69 petitions concerning omitted governorship and State House of Assembly candidates, approximately 36 of the petitions were reportedly successful, while the remaining requests were unsuccessful. Pantami, who is seeking the Gombe State governorship position, was among the candidates whose cases received attention during the commission’s review. However, the reported clearance does not remove the possibility of further legal challenges, as the commission’s position remains subject to relevant court decisions. Adebutu’s request for reconsideration was unsuccessful, according to the report, the development comes amid increasing political activities and disputes surrounding candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC’s handling of the petitions is particularly important because the commission is constitutionally responsible for regulating electoral processes and ensuring compliance with applicable electoral laws. Political parties and candidates are expected to follow the legal procedures available to challenge decisions they consider unfavourable, the development also highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process as political parties prepare for another major election cycle. INEC is expected to provide further official clarification on the reviewed petitions and the final status of affected candidates.