The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to decide today, 29 October, on the fate of several aspirants omitted from its final list of governorship candidates. Those affected include Isa Pantami of the Peoples Democratic Party for Gombe State, Ladi Adebutu of the same party for Ogun State, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo and others whose names did not appear on the published list.
The commission is applying the Supreme Court judgment in SC/CV/495/2026, delivered on 24 September by a panel of seven justices led by Justice Adamu Jauro. That judgment restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 as constitutional. INEC is relying on Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which requires all authorities and persons to enforce the decisions of the courts.
Political parties had until 24 October to notify the commission of any wrongful omissions from the final list. The Peoples Democratic Party filed an affidavit on 15 October through its National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, challenging the omissions of its candidates. Reports indicate that the name of Ladi Adebutu may be restored following the commission’s decision today.
By John James
- Nigerian Permanent Resident Aged 74 Indicted for Voting in 2024 US Election
- INEC Approves Inclusions and Removals on 2027 Candidate Lists After Complaint Review
- Emuobosan Emmanuella Hall Indicted for Failing to Report to Prison After Romance Scam Conviction
- ICE Boston Arrests Ugandan National Jimmy Kimera in Hudson During Targeted Operations
- Nigeria Police Declare 48 Year Old Abuja Construction Supervisor Wanted for Fraud and Money Laundering
