INEC excludes Ogun PDP’s Adebutu, running mate from final governorship candidates list

Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, formerly the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, expressed his disappointment over his name not being included in the final list of candidates approved for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the list on Saturday.

The omission of Pantami, who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), drew significant attention. In a statement released via his social media, Pantami reassured his supporters that they should not be alarmed, stating that steps are being taken to address the issue. The statement, signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe, highlighted that this situation has caused concern among Pantami’s supporters in Gombe and beyond.

He emphasized that the exclusion was not the final verdict and called upon his followers to stay calm and optimistic. Pantami’s team is actively collaborating with relevant PDP and INEC officials to ensure the matter is corrected in line with the law. They expressed certainty that the issue would be resolved, urging supporters to remain steadfast in their efforts and continue mobilizing, while remaining committed to the movement’s vision of serving the public.

Pantami’s camp also stressed their unity and dedication to the political aspirations of their constituents, promising that no obstacle would derail their progress, in sha Allah.