PDP Opens Talks With INEC After Ogun, Gombe Nominees Are Left Off 2027 Lists
The PDP says it is discussing the exclusion of Ladi Adebutu, Isa Ali Pantami and other affected candidates with INEC.
The Peoples Democratic Party says it has opened discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission after some of its governorship nominees were absent from candidate lists published for the 2027 elections.
The issue is particularly visible in Ogun and Gombe states, where INEC's lists contain no PDP governorship candidate. The commission published the documents on Saturday ahead of the February 6, 2027 polls. According to the source, 13 candidates appear on the Ogun list, while 16 are named for Gombe.
Among those affected are Ladi Adebutu in Ogun and Isa Ali Pantami in Gombe. The source does not state that INEC has already agreed to add either candidate or that a final resolution has been reached over their exclusion.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed addressed the matter in a statement issued on Sunday. He said the party was already communicating with the electoral commission about the circumstances behind the omissions and was seeking a solution consistent with electoral rules and applicable law.
Mohammed said the PDP regards the situation as serious and intends to continue addressing what it considers legitimate concerns with INEC. He also indicated that the party would provide further information when there are new developments from the discussions.
The party's immediate message to the affected candidates and its members was to avoid escalating the situation while the engagement with INEC continues. Mohammed called for patience and asked supporters not to make statements or take steps that could interfere with the ongoing process.
The lists at the centre of the dispute were signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and made available through the commission's website. Their publication confirmed that the PDP had no governorship candidate listed in either Ogun or Gombe at that stage of the electoral process.
For now, the party is pursuing discussions with the commission rather than announcing the outcome of a formal challenge. The source does not explain the specific reasons INEC excluded each affected PDP nominee, nor does it report a timetable for resolving the matter. What has been confirmed is that the party has acknowledged the omissions and says it is seeking an official solution through engagement with INEC.