INEC releases list of candidates for Gombe governorship, excludes PDP's Pantami

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has left out Isa Ibrahim Pantami from its final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election. This has raised questions about the former minister of Communications and Digital Economy and whether he will take part in the election.

The final list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, includes 16 governorship candidates along with their running mates from different political parties.

Mr Pantami's name is not on the list.

A look at the document also shows that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has no candidate listed.

Mr Pantami was named the party's candidate in a new primary election held in September. This was after a court canceled his previous nomination.

His absence is notable due to the ongoing legal issues around the PDP governorship ticket in Gombe State. The court-ordered fresh primary produced him as the party's candidate.

INEC's document does not explain why Mr Pantami was left out or why there is no PDP candidate on the list.

The main candidates listed include Gwamna Isyaku from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bala Tinka from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Muazu Halilu from the Labour Party (LP).

The announcement of these candidates comes as political activities heat up ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Parties and candidates are getting ready for what is expected to be a closely fought race in the state.

We expect more clarification from INEC and the PDP soon. This will help to understand what the final list means for Pantami’s political future.