PDP engages INEC over omission of some candidates
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced engagements with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resolve the omission of some of its candidates from the commission’s final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship elections.
The party said it was treating the development seriously and working towards an amicable resolution in accordance with the law and established electoral guidelines.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the party was already engaging with INEC to identify and address the issues responsible for the omissions.
Among the affected candidates are Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, and Isa Ali Pantami, the party’s candidate in Gombe State. Their names, alongside those of their running mates, were missing from INEC’s final lists for the two states ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship elections.
The omissions have raised concerns among party members and supporters, particularly as the affected candidates face uncertainty over their participation in the forthcoming elections. The development has also drawn attention to issues surrounding candidate nomination procedures, party membership registers and compliance with electoral laws.
The PDP assured affected candidates and supporters that it remained committed to ensuring that all legitimate concerns were properly addressed through engagement with the electoral commission.
The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and exercise patience while discussions with INEC continue. It cautioned against making statements or taking actions that could undermine efforts to resolve the matter.
Meanwhile, INEC has not publicly explained the reasons for excluding the affected candidates from the published lists. The outcome of the ongoing engagements is expected to clarify the situation and determine the next steps available to the party and its candidates.
The PDP reiterated its commitment to pursuing a resolution through the appropriate legal and administrative channels, assuring its members that further developments would be communicated as discussions progress.
