The Independent National Electoral Commission clears Isa Ali Pantami and Abdulsalam Gwarzo, but rejects Ladi Adebutu.
The Independent National Electoral Commission concluded a marathon management meeting on Thursday, bringing major updates for several prominent political figures ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
During the crucial session, the electoral umpire decided to grant clearance to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami and Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate Abdulsalam Gwarzo to contest the polls.
However, the commission delivered an unfavorable ruling to Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
INEC handles petitions for omitted candidates
Following the publication of initial candidate lists, the electoral commission received a total of 69 petitions from various political parties concerning omitted candidates for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
An internal source at the electoral body revealed that out of the total submissions, approximately 36 petitions were successfully resolved in favor of the petitioners, while the remaining challenges failed to meet the necessary criteria.
Conditional clearance for Pantami and Gwarzo
Regarding the approval granted to Isa Ali Pantami and Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the electoral commission emphasized that their participation remains subject to the final outcomes of ongoing court cases.
An official source noted that while the commission has no administrative objections to their candidacies, pending litigations could ultimately impact their legal eligibility to participate in the upcoming elections.
Adebutu petition rejected by electoral umpire
The situation proved unsuccessful for Ladi Adebutu, whose legal team had sought a formal review of his exclusion from the official list of candidates for the upcoming electoral cycle.
The electoral body confirmed that his specific petition regarding the Ogun State governorship race did not succeed, leaving his political aspirations stalled as final legal figures are compiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did INEC clear Isa Ali Pantami for the 2027 elections?
Yes, the Independent National Electoral Commission cleared former Minister Isa Ali Pantami to contest, though his clearance remains subject to pending court cases.
What was the decision regarding Ladi Adebutu?
The electoral umpire rejected the petition filed by Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu, keeping him excluded from the candidate list.
How many petitions did INEC receive from political parties?
The commission received a total of 69 petitions concerning omitted candidates, with approximately 36 of them proving successful during the review process.
