The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate Abdulsalam Gwarzo to contest the 2027 general elections, subject to the outcome of pending court cases.
The electoral commission, however, rejected a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, who had sought a review of his exclusion from the list of candidates.
The decisions followed INEC’s consideration of petitions submitted by political parties over the omission of candidates from the published lists for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
A source at the commission disclosed after its meeting on Thursday that INEC had received 69 petitions from political parties, with approximately 36 reportedly successful.
The source said the commission was awaiting final figures from its legal department, which was preparing an official statement on the outcome of the review.
Pantami, Gwarzo Cleared Subject to Court Decisions
According to the source, INEC had no objection to Pantami and Gwarzo contesting the forthcoming elections, although pending litigation could affect their eligibility.
The commission’s position means their clearance does not remove the possibility that a court ruling could subsequently alter their status.
The legal disputes surrounding candidates’ eligibility remain significant because the final determination of some electoral matters rests with the judiciary.
For political parties and aspirants, the outcome of such cases can determine whether candidates remain on the ballot as preparations for the 2027 elections advance.
INEC’s reported decisions therefore represent an important development in the ongoing process of resolving disputes over the publication of candidates’ particulars.
Adebutu’s Petition Rejected
In Ogun State, INEC rejected a petition by Adebutu seeking a review of his exclusion from the candidates’ list.
The PDP politician had challenged the decision affecting his participation in the forthcoming governorship election.
The rejection means that the commission did not grant the relief sought through the petition at the review stage.
Any further steps available to an aggrieved candidate would depend on the applicable electoral law, the circumstances of the dispute and any relevant court proceedings.
The decision is likely to attract political attention in Ogun State, where parties and aspirants are preparing for the next governorship contest.
INEC Reviews 69 Petitions
The source said the commission received 69 petitions relating to candidates omitted from the lists for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Approximately 36 petitions were reportedly successful, while the remaining petitions were unsuccessful.
The figures were provisional at the time of the disclosure, as the commission’s legal department was still compiling the final results.
INEC’s review process is intended to address complaints from political parties and candidates concerning omissions and other issues arising from the publication of electoral lists.
However, disputes that remain unresolved administratively may proceed through the courts, where judicial decisions can affect candidates’ eligibility and participation.
Electoral Disputes Ahead of 2027
The decisions highlight the importance of timely resolution of candidate-related disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For political parties, securing the recognition of their candidates is a critical step in election preparations. For INEC, the challenge is to ensure that its decisions comply with electoral laws and relevant judicial orders.
The commission’s reported clearance of Pantami and Gwarzo remains subject to pending court cases, while Adebutu’s request for a review was rejected.
Further developments will depend on the formal decisions issued by INEC and the outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings.