The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dropped the name of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami from the final list of governorship candidates for Gombe State.
The document, titled “Final List of Candidates” for the “Governorship Election 2027,” was signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The electoral body, however, cleared a total of 16 candidates to contest the February 6, 2027 governorship election in the state.
They are: Bala Bello Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamilu Gwamna of the APC and Babayo Kumo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Zubairu Halilu of the Labour Party, Lamela Silas of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Others are: Ibrahim Abubakar of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and Adamu Mohammed Ma’aji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Recall that the former minister who appeared on the provisional list published on August 29 was however missing from the final list published on Saturday night.
Pantami emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate after quitting the All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 19.
But one of the aspirants who sought the PDP ticket, Ahmed Mailantarki challenged Pantami’s victory in court.
A Federal High Court sitting in Gombe nullified the election and ordered a fresh primary, which Pantami won again.
Despite his triumph, on September 24, Supreme Court judgement restored Sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The provisions bar parties from fielding candidates whose names were not in the membership register submitted to INEC within the stipulated time.
INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna had hinted on Trust TV’s Daily Politics that, in line with the Supreme Court ruling, some parties would not field candidates in 2027.
Meanwhile, the commission has published the final list of 17 candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, with Chinda Kingsely of APC, Pidomson Baritulem of ADC, Ejekwu Soni of PDP and Lulu-Briggs Dumo of NDC among those named.
Chinda, 60, is running with Jack Miakiapuye as his deputy, while Pidomson, 56, is paired with Okumgba Amapakaye, whereas Ejekwu, 60, will run with Ehuwa Pirinye Kabaka. The commission lists both men as holders of doctorate degrees.
Lulu-Briggs, 62, has Nwielaghi Michael as his running mate. He is listed with a law degree.
The list also includes Chibuzor Rain of Accord (A), West Ivy of the African Action Congress (AAC), Lawson Anyanate Angel of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Idoniboye-Obu Omangima of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), among others.
Similarly, the commission has released the final list of 16 governorship candidates for the 2027 election in Oyo State, with Sharafadeen Alli of APC, Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) flagbearer Abimbola Adekanmbi and Accord Party candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat among those cleared for the contest.
According to the list, Taofeek Adegoke is listed as the ADC governorship candidate, Akim Yusuf is the candidate of the NDC, while Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi will represent the PDP in the election.
The APM is fielding Adekanmbi, while Hamzat is listed as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party.
Other candidates on the list are: Saheed Oladele of AAC, Kunle Olatunji of ADP, Gbolagade Salami of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Ismaila Tijani of the Action Peoples Party (APP); and Sola Thompson Kareem of the Labour Party (LP).
Also on the list are: Ibiyemi Taiwo of the National Democratic Party (NDP); Taofeek Afolabi of the National Rescue Movement (NRM); Kazeem Yinusa of PRP, Idowu Adeyemi of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Waheed Olanrewaju Azzan of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).