After more than two weeks of uncertainty, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission announced on Thursday that former minister Isa Ali Pantami and Kano State Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate Abdulsalam Gwarzo have been cleared to contest the 2027 elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant Ladi Adebutu’s petition for review was denied.
What decisions did INEC make?
The commission’s senior officials, after a six‑hour meeting with its chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, confirmed Pantami’s eligibility and gave provisional clearance to Gwarzo, noting that pending court cases could still affect their candidacies. Conversely, the commission upheld the exclusion of PDP’s Ladi Adebutu from the Ogun State governorship list.
How many petitions were received and what was the outcome?
- A total of 69 petitions from political parties concerning omitted governorship and State House of Assembly candidates were lodged.
- Approximately 36 of those petitions were successful, while the remainder were rejected.
- An INEC source told Daily Trust, “We received a total of 69 petitions from political parties. Some of the successful ones, I think about 36, and the rest didn’t succeed.”
Why were certain candidates initially omitted?
INEC had released a comprehensive list on 10 October but left out candidates whose party defections raised questions about the submission of required membership registers, as mandated by the Electoral Act, 2026. The commission gave a 14‑day window for affected candidates to submit petitions for review, which closed on 24 October.
What are the pending legal challenges?
Both Pantami and Gwarzo face ongoing court proceedings that could overturn their clearances. The source explained, “Pantami has been cleared… Gwarzo’s approval is subject to whatever the court finally decides.” The commission stressed it has no objection to either candidate contesting, pending judicial outcomes.
Reactions from stakeholders
- Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesperson for Gwarzo, said the episode boosted the NDC’s popularity, adding, “What the electoral commission intended as a setback has actually worked in our favour.”
- Barrister Ibrahim Attahir of the Pantamiya Movement welcomed the decision, noting that INEC, led by a law professor, is bound to respect the rule of law.
- PDP aspirant Usman Aliyu Garry vowed to continue challenging Pantami’s candidacy, questioning INEC’s criteria and demanding clarification.
- PDP senator Iyabo Obasanjo, commenting on Adebutu’s exclusion, accused the APC in Ogun State of trying to manipulate the electoral process.
Implications for the 2027 race
Gwarzo’s reinstatement re‑energises the NDC as a credible challenger in Kano, potentially reshaping campaign strategies for the APC and other parties. Pantami’s clearance revives a contested PDP‑APC dynamic in Gombe State. The final impact will hinge on the outcomes of the pending court cases and how parties adjust their mobilisation efforts.
The commission is expected to issue a formal statement confirming the final list of cleared candidates in the coming days.