INEC clears Pantami, Gwarzo, rejects Adebutu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor in Ogun State, over his omission from the list of candidates for the 2027 elections, according to a recent report. The decision was made during a meeting of the commission on Thursday, where they reviewed complaints from political parties and candidates who were left off the published list.

Despite his petition not being granted, two other candidates were approved to run: former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami and Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for governor in Kano State. Pantami's name was cleared immediately, whereas Gwarzo’s was conditional upon the outcome of litigation surrounding his exclusion.

Unfortunately, Adebutu's petition was unsuccessful. The Ogun PDP candidate's exclusion was in line with INEC's adherence to Section 77(5)-(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to submit their membership registers. This stance was reinforced by a Supreme Court ruling on September 24, 2026, which deemed the provision constitutional.

Both Gwarzo and Pantami have ongoing court cases, with hearings expected in the near future. Adebutu had contended that he was a legitimate member of the PDP and had adhered to all membership registration requirements.