News focus: Nigeria Politics | Elections | INEC | 2027 Governorship Elections

Nigeria’s electoral preparations have taken another step following the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final governorship candidate list. The development includes the clearance of former Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Isa Ali Pantami, while a court-related restriction affecting Gwarzo remains in place.

The distinction between the two cases raises questions about candidate eligibility, judicial decisions and INEC’s responsibility to comply with court orders during the electoral process.

Pantami Added to Gombe PDP List

INEC’s updated list recognises Professor Isa Ali Pantami as the PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, with Haruna Ahmadu Hasan named as his running mate.

Pantami’s inclusion follows a successful petition challenging his earlier omission from the commission’s initial list published on October 10, 2026.

His initial exclusion was linked to questions surrounding compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly requirements governing political parties’ membership registers.

The commission subsequently reviewed complaints submitted by political parties and candidates, leading to the decision to include Pantami in the updated list.

Why Gwarzo Remains Off the Kano List

In Kano State, INEC has retained the notation “Court Order” against the governorship and deputy governorship positions of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Consequently, the names of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, remain absent from the updated list.

However, reports indicate that INEC has no objection to Gwarzo's candidacy. A commission official reportedly explained that his clearance remains subject to the final determination of an ex parte order issued by the Federal High Court in Kano on October 27, 2026.

The restriction therefore concerns the court order preventing publication of the NDC candidates' names, rather than a final determination that Gwarzo is ineligible to contest.

INEC Reviews 130 Electoral Petitions

The updated list follows INEC's review of complaints arising from the initial publication of governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates.

According to the commission:

The petitions involved complaints about omitted candidates, wrongful inclusion of nominees whose names were absent from submitted party membership registers, and alleged multiple nominations.

What This Means for the 2027 Elections

The latest development highlights the growing importance of legal compliance, internal party procedures and judicial decisions in determining who appears on Nigeria's electoral ballot.

For political parties, the review serves as a reminder that nomination processes must comply with the Electoral Act and relevant INEC requirements.

For voters, the updated candidate list provides greater clarity about the individuals and political parties preparing to participate in the 2027 governorship elections.

However, the Kano NDC situation remains subject to judicial proceedings, meaning the final status of Gwarzo's candidacy will depend on the court's determination and subsequent action by INEC.

Editorial Takeaway: INEC's updated list has restored Pantami's place on the Gombe governorship ballot, while the NDC ticket in Kano remains affected by a court order. As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, compliance with electoral laws and respect for judicial decisions will remain central to determining the final candidates.

Sources and verification

1. Leadership – INEC releases final governorship list
2. Naija Times – INEC clarification on Gwarzo
3. TheCable – INEC clears Pantami

Editorial note: Gwarzo's omission should not be reported as a final disqualification. The available reporting distinguishes INEC's position on his candidacy from the court order restricting publication of his name.