The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, from the final list of governorship candidates for the February 6, 2027 election in Gombe State.
INEC published the final list of 16 cleared candidates on Saturday night, with Pantami, whose name appeared on the provisional list released on August 29, conspicuously absent from the updated list . The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also missing entirely from the final list, with no candidates listed under the party .
Background of the Omission
Pantami emerged as the PDP governorship candidate after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 19, 2026 . His candidacy had been embroiled in legal challenges, with PDP aspirant Ahmed Mailantarki challenging his victory in court. A Federal High Court sitting in Gombe nullified the initial primary election and ordered a fresh exercise, which Pantami subsequently won on September 29, 2026 .
According to reports, Pantami’s exclusion followed a September 24 Supreme Court judgment that restored Sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. These provisions bar political parties from fielding candidates whose names were not in the membership register submitted to INEC within the stipulated time .
INEC National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, had previously hinted that in line with the Supreme Court ruling, some parties would not field candidates in 2027 . The commission’s list, signed by Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contained no explanation for the omissions, with the remarks column left blank .
Pantami’s Reaction
Pantami’s camp has responded to the development, describing it as a “temporary challenge” and urging supporters to remain calm and steadfast. In a statement issued by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe and shared on Pantami’s Facebook page, the camp said legal and liaison teams were engaging with party organs and INEC to ensure rectification within the window provided by law .
“This is a temporary challenge and a normal part of the electoral process, not a final determination, in sha Allah,” the statement read. “We are aware of the people working behind the scenes to frustrate good and responsible leadership in Gombe State, but our legal and liaison teams are already engaging with the relevant organs of the party and INEC to ensure full compliance and rectification within the window provided by law” .
Candidates Cleared for the Race
The 16 candidates cleared by INEC include Bala Bello Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna of the APC, and Babayo Ardo Kumo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Others are Zubairu Mu’azu Halilu of the Labour Party, Lamela L. Silas of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Ibrahim Jalo Abubakar of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and Adamu Mohammed Ma’aji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others .
The list shows that all 16 governorship candidates are men, aged between 35 and 72. Of the 32 candidates and running mates listed, only two are women, both contesting as deputy governorship candidates .
Under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, parties have 14 days to notify INEC in writing, with an affidavit, if a nominated candidate’s name is missing . Further clarification from INEC and the PDP is expected to determine the implications of the final list for Pantami’s political ambition.
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