INEC Reportedly Recognizes Pantami But Leaves Adebutu’s Candidacy Uncertain; Anxious Nigerians Await Updated List
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly given official recognition to Professor Isa Ali Pantami as Gombe State governorship candidate. Also lucky to get uncertainty over his candidacy removed is Kano State NDC guber candidate, Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
The electoral body however reportedly rejected the petition of Hon Ladi Adebutu and has continued to derecognize him as Ogun State PDP guber candidate.
Recall that INEC had omitted the names of the aforementioned politicians and others from its final list earlier in the month, a decision that was largely influenced by a landmark September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment (INEC v. Zenith Labour Party), which strictly enforced Sections 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act.
Sequel to a high-stakes review of 69 petitions from political parties concerning omitted candidates, INEC has reportedly resolved the fate of several high-profile politicians who were initially left off the final list released on October 10.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Nigerians are anxiously awaiting the updated list of governorship and house of assembly candidates which is expected to be uploaded on the electoral body’s website this weekend.
It was gathered that some candidates that had their names published in the previous list have gotten delisted.
‘Further to its Press Statement of 13th October, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform political parties, candidates and the general public of the outcome of its consideration of complaints received following the publication of the final lists of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on 10th October, 2026.
The complaints concerned the omission of certain political parties, the wrongful inclusion of candidates of political parties whose names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their political parties, and instances of alleged multiple nominations.
Following a review of the complaints, relevant records and applicable legal provisions, the Commission found merit in some representations and approved the inclusion of affected candidates and their political parties, while complaints found to be without merit were declined. In addition, some names that were wrongfully published in the final list were removed after verifying that their names were not on the register.
The Commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements. In particular, the decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates sponsored by political parties were informed by specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and the Commission’s established criteria.
In summary, a total of 69 petitions were received from 12 political parties across 26 states for the governorship election. Forty-one of the petitions succeeded while 28 failed. Similarly, for the State Houses of Assembly, 61 petitions were received from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five succeeded while 36 failed.
The affected candidates, political parties and states will be reflected in the updated list on the Commission’s website.
Once again, the Commission assures the public of its commitment to transparency and the credibility of the electoral process’ a statement quoted Mr Mohammed Haruna, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, as saying -Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
