The **[Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://www.inecnigeria.org)** has omitted former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami from the final roster of candidates contesting the Gombe State governorship election scheduled for February 6, 2027, after a Supreme Court ruling barred his nomination.
**Why was Pantami removed?**
Pantami appeared on the provisional list released on August 29, but his name vanished from the final list published on Saturday night. He secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 19. A court challenge by fellow aspirant Ahmed Mailantarki led to a Federal High Court in Gombe nullifying the primary and ordering a fresh election, which Pantami won again. However, a September 24 decision by the **[Supreme Court of Nigeria](https://www.supremecourt.gov.ng)** reinstated Sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2) of the **[Electoral Act 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_Act_(Nigeria))**, prohibiting parties from fielding candidates whose names were not on the membership register submitted to INEC within the prescribed deadline.
**What does the Supreme Court ruling entail?**
The restored provisions require every political party to lodge a complete and timely register of its members with INEC. Candidates whose names are absent from that register cannot be listed on the ballot, effectively disqualifying Pantami despite his primary victory.
**Who are the other cleared candidates?**
A total of sixteen aspirants have been cleared to vie for the February 6, 2027 governorship election in **[Gombe State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gombe_State)**. Notable names include Bala Bello Tinka (African Democratic Congress), Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna (APC), Babayo Ardo Kumo (Nigeria Democratic Congress), Zubairu Mu’azu Halilu (Labour Party), Lamela L. Silas (Allied Peoples Movement), Ibrahim Jalo Abubakar (People’s Redemption Party) and Adamu Mohammed Ma’aji (Social Democratic Party).
**What did INEC officials say?**
Mohammed Haruna, an INEC National Commissioner, told Trust TV’s Daily Politics that, in line with the Supreme Court ruling, “some parties will not be able to field candidates in 2027,” underscoring the legal basis for Pantami’s exclusion.