The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, triggering mixed reactions following the omission of some prominent political figures.Among those reportedly missing from the list are former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu; and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. <Cite refs={[“turn863807search3″,”turn863807search12”]}/>The omission of the candidates has generated concerns among some political supporters, while others have expressed relief following the publication of the list.
In Ogun State, the PDP reportedly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of mounting pressure on INEC to exclude Adebutu from the list. Pantami’s camp, however, urged his supporters to remain calm amid the development. <Cite refs={[“turn863807search3”]}/>In Kano State, Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, is absent from the list of candidates cleared to contest the governorship election. The published list reportedly contains 17 candidates and their running mates from various political parties, but does not include an NDC candidate.INEC has not publicly stated in the published list why Gwarzo’s name and the NDC are missing. The omission alone does not establish the reason for the development or whether it is connected to the party’s nomination process or documentation. <Cite refs={[“turn863807search12”]}/>The commission’s publication comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, scheduled to begin with the presidential and National Assembly polls on January 16, followed by governorship and state assembly elections in participating states on February 6. <Cite refs={[“turn863807search5″,”turn863807search13”]}/>The latest development is expected to generate further reactions from affected parties and aspirants as they consider their options under the relevant electoral laws.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.