INEC Rejects Adebutu, Clears Pantami, Gwarzo for 2027
By Akin Alade
The political future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has suffered another major setback following reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected an appeal by its governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, seeking reinstatement on the list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The development came as the electoral commission reportedly cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, to participate in the elections, subject to the determination of pending court cases.
The contrasting decisions have introduced a fresh dimension to the political calculations in Ogun, Gombe and Kano states, where controversies surrounding party membership registers and candidate nominations have generated legal disputes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adebutu’s Rejection Deepens Ogun PDP Governorship Uncertainty
For the Ogun State PDP, the latest development represents a significant challenge to its ambition of returning to the Government House in Abeokuta.
Adebutu, who has remained a prominent opposition figure in Ogun politics, had challenged his exclusion from INEC’s published list of governorship candidates, maintaining that he was a duly registered member of the PDP and had satisfied the necessary membership requirements.
However, following the commission’s review of complaints submitted by affected political parties, his request was reportedly unsuccessful.
An INEC source quoted by Daily Trust confirmed that Adebutu’s petition did not succeed, although the commission was still preparing a formal statement on the outcome of the exercise.
The development leaves the Ogun PDP facing renewed uncertainty over its participation in the governorship contest, unless subsequent legal proceedings or other lawful interventions alter the situation.
Political Implications for Ogun 2027 Governorship Election
The rejection could have far-reaching implications for the balance of political forces in Ogun State, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing to defend its hold on power.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is listed as the APC governorship candidate for the election.
With Adebutu’s attempt to reverse his exclusion reportedly unsuccessful, political attention may increasingly shift towards the APC candidate and other governorship contenders whose names remain on INEC’s published list.
However, Adebutu’s exclusion should not automatically be interpreted as the end of opposition politics in Ogun State, as the PDP could still explore available legal options while other registered political parties continue their campaigns.
The development also raises questions about the capacity of political parties to comply with electoral regulations and resolve internal nomination disputes before critical deadlines.
INEC Clears Pantami for Gombe Governorship Race
In a different outcome, Professor Isa Ali Pantami reportedly secured INEC’s approval to contest the Gombe State governorship election under the platform of the PDP.
Pantami, who served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had earlier been omitted from the commission’s published list.
His candidacy has faced legal challenges arising from disputes over the party’s governorship primary and the requirements governing the nomination of candidates.
The latest decision represents a significant development for his political ambition, although the reported clearance remains subject to the outcome of pending litigation.
Consequently, his participation cannot yet be regarded as completely free from legal uncertainty.
Gwarzo Gets Conditional Clearance in Kano
Similarly, the commission reportedly accepted the candidacy of Abdulsalam Gwarzo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the Kano State governorship election.
Gwarzo had challenged the omission of his name and that of his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, from the published candidates’ list.
The Kano governorship hopeful approached the court seeking recognition of his nomination and a declaration that his exclusion was unlawful.
Although INEC reportedly raised no further administrative objection to his candidacy, the final position remains dependent on the court’s decision.
The development is expected to influence political calculations in Kano, where the contest for control of the state government remains a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC Reviews 69 Petitions, About 36 Reportedly Successful
The decisions followed a review of complaints submitted by political parties and candidates whose names were omitted from the commission’s published lists for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
According to an INEC source cited in media reports, the commission received 69 petitions, with approximately 36 reportedly receiving favourable consideration.
The source explained that the final figures were still being compiled by the commission’s legal department ahead of an official announcement.
The review demonstrates the growing significance of administrative compliance in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly regarding party membership documentation, nomination procedures and the conduct of primaries.
Supreme Court Judgment Behind Candidates’ Exclusion
The controversy surrounding the affected candidates is connected to provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, dealing with political party membership registers.
INEC had earlier explained that its decision to omit certain candidates followed a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Sections 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act.
The provisions require political parties to submit their membership registers within the prescribed period before conducting valid primary elections.
The judgment strengthened the legal basis for enforcing compliance with the electoral timetable and party nomination requirements.
For political parties, the implication is that internal documentation and statutory compliance have become crucial factors in determining whether candidates can participate in elections.
What Next for Adebutu and Ogun PDP?
Attention will now turn to Adebutu’s political camp and the leadership of the Ogun State PDP for their response to the reported rejection.
The party faces the challenge of determining its next course of action while maintaining the confidence of supporters ahead of the governorship election.
Whether Adebutu will pursue further legal remedies remains uncertain, but the latest development could significantly influence the opposition party’s electoral preparations.
For INEC, the immediate task will be to provide comprehensive clarification on the reviewed petitions and the legal basis for its decisions.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the contrasting outcomes involving Adebutu, Pantami and Gwarzo underline an important reality: electoral success begins not only with political popularity and campaign organisation but also with strict compliance with the laws governing candidate nominations.
For Ogun State, the immediate question is whether the PDP can overcome its latest setback and secure a place in the governorship contest, or whether the rejection of Adebutu’s petition will fundamentally reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of February 2027.
