PDP moves to resolve omission of candidates from INEC’s 2027 list
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has opened discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of some of its governorship candidates from the final list for the 2027 elections.
The party said on Sunday that it was engaging the electoral commission to resolve the matter in accordance with electoral laws and established guidelines.
In a statement, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, assured affected candidates and supporters that the party was taking steps to address the omissions.
The development followed INEC’s publication of the final list of governorship candidates on Saturday, which excluded the PDP from the contests in Ogun and Gombe states.
According to the published lists, 13 candidates were cleared in Ogun State and 16 in Gombe State, with no PDP candidate appearing in either state.
Among those omitted were Ladi Adebutu, the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun, and Isa Ali Pantami, its candidate in Gombe.
Mohammed said the party was committed to ensuring that legitimate concerns arising from the publication were properly addressed.
“The party wishes to assure all affected candidates, members and supporters that it is already engaging with INEC to address the issues responsible for the omissions, with a view to securing an amicable resolution in accordance with the law and established electoral guidelines,” the statement read.
He said the PDP would communicate further developments as discussions progressed.
“The PDP, therefore, assures all concerned that it is treating this development with the utmost seriousness it deserves and will communicate further developments as appropriate. The party is committed to ensuring that all legitimate concerns are properly addressed with the commission.”
The opposition party also appealed to its members and supporters to avoid actions capable of disrupting the ongoing engagement with INEC.
“Consequently, the party calls on all affected candidates, members and supporters to remain calm, exercise patience and refrain from actions or statements capable of undermining the ongoing engagements with the commission,” Mohammed added.
The final lists, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, were published on the commission’s website as part of preparations for the governorship elections scheduled for 6 February 2027.
The PDP has yet to announce the outcome of its discussions with INEC or whether the omitted candidates will be included in an amended list.