INEC 2027: Buba, Kale Kawu, Adamu Make the Ballot as Pantami, Gwarzo, Adebutu Missing
The publication of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final lists of candidates for the 2027 general elections has generated fresh political controversy, following the omission of several prominent governorship aspirants, including Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami in Gombe, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo in Kano and Ladi Adebutu in Ogun State.
In contrast, Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi, Engineer Kale Kawu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara and former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa are among the politicians who have secured places on the governorship candidates’ lists.
The development comes as political parties, candidates and their supporters scrutinise the electoral commission’s publications amid disputes arising from party primaries, defections, court judgments and the submission of nomination documents.
PRNigeria had earlier reported the release of the final lists covering presidential, governorship and legislative candidates for the forthcoming elections.
The latest review of the published names has drawn attention to the contrasting experiences of politicians who emerged from party nomination processes but have encountered different outcomes in securing recognition from INEC.
Pantami’s Omission Deepens Gombe PDP Dispute
In Gombe State, the absence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has generated concern within the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement.
Pantami initially pursued the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before joining the PDP following the emergence of Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the APC candidate.
He subsequently emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in a primary conducted on May 26, 2026.
However, the Federal High Court in Gombe nullified the exercise on September 24 over procedural irregularities and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary.
At the September 29 rerun, Pantami was declared winner with 2,054 votes, defeating Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, who polled 389 votes, and Usman Aliyu Garry, who received 112 votes.
Despite the outcome, Pantami’s name was absent from the final governorship list published by INEC.
The precise reason for the omission has not been established in the material reviewed by PRNigeria.
Gwarzo Missing from Kano Governorship List
In Kano State, former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo is another prominent politician missing from the final governorship candidates’ list.
Gwarzo had emerged as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following political realignments involving former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his political associates.
His omission has raised questions about the status of the NDC’s governorship nomination ahead of the election.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is seeking re-election under the APC, while other candidates previously identified in the contest include Mohammed Raji of the Labour Party and Muhammad Bello Dalhatu of the PDP.
The circumstances surrounding Gwarzo’s exclusion remain unclear, particularly whether the issue relates to nomination documentation, statutory requirements or another electoral matter.
Adebutu’s Absence Raises Questions in Ogun PDP
In Ogun State, the omission of Ladi Adebutu from the final governorship candidates’ list has also attracted attention.
Adebutu, who had been identified with the PDP governorship contest, was reportedly absent alongside his running mate.
The development raises questions about the party’s nomination status as the state prepares for another governorship election.
Among the other prominent politicians identified in the contest are Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, of the APC, and Jimi Lawal of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
However, the specific reason for Adebutu’s reported omission has not been confirmed through an official explanation from INEC or the PDP.
Shehu Buba Secures Bauchi PRP Ticket After APC Exit
In Bauchi State, Senator Shehu Buba Umar is among the politicians who have secured inclusion on the governorship list following a change of political party.
Buba moved from the APC to the PRP after a dispute over the ruling party’s governorship primary.
The senator had alleged that the APC nomination process was manipulated against him, a claim that remains his allegation rather than an established finding.
His subsequent emergence under the PRP illustrates how disagreements over party primaries have contributed to political defections ahead of the elections.
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Buba’s legal team had earlier maintained that his nomination complied with the Electoral Act and that the Supreme Court’s decision in the case involving INEC and the Zenith Labour Party did not automatically invalidate his candidacy.
The lawyers argued that his circumstances differed from those addressed in the judgment and that any dispute over his eligibility should be determined through the appropriate judicial process.
Kale Kawu Features in Kwara Governorship Contest
In Kwara State, Engineer Kale Kawu is reported to have secured a place on the governorship candidates’ list under the PDP.
His inclusion places him among the candidates seeking to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose second term is expected to end in 2027.
Kawu’s candidacy forms part of the political contest in a state where the APC, PDP and other parties have been engaged in preparations for the governorship election.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly candidates’ lists have also attracted attention in Kwara Central, where Governor AbdulRazaq is listed among the APC senatorial contenders.
The PDP’s Saliu Mustapha is also identified among the candidates seeking the Kwara Central Senate seat, alongside nominees from other political parties.
Former IGP Mohammed Adamu Listed in Nasarawa
In Nasarawa State, former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu is reported to have secured a place on the governorship list under the SDP.
Adamu’s nomination had earlier generated uncertainty after INEC initially listed Musa Angbazo as the party’s candidate.
Following Angbazo’s withdrawal, the SDP reportedly conducted a replacement primary that produced Adamu as its candidate.
The former police chief had previously sought the APC governorship ticket before moving to the SDP.
Other prominent politicians identified in the Nasarawa contest include Ahmed Aliyu Wadada of the APC, Emmanuel David Ombugadu of the PDP and Nuhu Angbazo of the ADC.
Adamu’s reported inclusion has brought renewed attention to the legal procedures governing candidate replacement and nomination.
Chinda Emerges in Rivers as Other Prominent Names Feature
In Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda is among the prominent politicians reported to have secured a place on the governorship list under the APC.
Chinda emerged following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal from the party’s governorship primary, which the governor attributed to the need to preserve peace and stability.
The development comes against the background of the prolonged political disagreement involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond the governorship contests, the candidate lists feature several prominent political figures seeking presidential and legislative offices.
Those identified in the presidential contest include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the NDC, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the PRP.
Others include Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress and Adewole Adebayo of the SDP.
Among the notable figures identified in the senatorial contests are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Adams Oshiomhole, Ifeanyi Okowa, Simon Lalong, Abdulaziz Yari and Yahaya Bello.
FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe is also reported to be seeking another term under the ADC.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Ned Nwoko, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Senator Danjuma Goje and Senator Garba Maidoki are among prominent politicians whose names were reportedly absent from the relevant candidate lists.
Their absence does not, by itself, establish that they were disqualified, as non-inclusion may arise from several circumstances, including decisions not to contest, party nominations or legal disputes.
Candidate Lists Raise Fresh Electoral Questions
The contrasting developments involving Pantami, Gwarzo, Adebutu, Buba, Kawu and Adamu have brought renewed attention to the relationship between political party primaries, statutory nomination requirements, court judgments and INEC’s responsibilities.
Although securing a party’s nomination is an important stage in the electoral process, candidates must also satisfy the applicable legal requirements for inclusion on the ballot.
Where disputes arise, their resolution depends on the relevant statutory provisions, facts of each case and decisions of competent courts.
For voters and political parties, the published lists provide an important reference point for identifying candidates recognised by the electoral commission.
The controversies also underscore the importance of transparent nomination procedures, timely submission of documents and clear communication between political parties and electoral authorities as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
By PRNigeria
