INEC Releases Final Candidate Lists for 2027 State Elections, Omits Several PDP Candidates

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission released final candidate lists for the 2027 state governorship elections, omitting prominent opposition figures like Isa Pantami and Ladi Adebutu while including others.

Key points

• The Independent National Electoral Commission left former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami off the Gombe State list despite a fresh primary.
• The electoral body's omissions also affected Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu and his running mate in Ogun State.
• Okiemute Chinda was listed as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State.
• The Independent National Electoral Commission cited Supreme Court interpretations of the Electoral Act regarding party membership registers for certain disqualification risks.

Why it matters

These candidate list releases shape the competitive landscape for Nigeria's upcoming 2027 state elections, determining the eligibility of major political figures and parties.