The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has delivered a major political blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by excluding its official governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe States from the final published lists for the upcoming February 6, 2027 elections.
The official lists, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, featured 13 approved candidates for Ogun State and 16 for Gombe State, but completely omitted PDP flagbearers Ladi Adebutu and Prof. Isa Ali Pantami alongside their running mates.
In Ogun State, Adebutu’s exclusion comes following heavy disputes and petitions over his compliance and presence on the PDP membership register submitted to the electoral umpire.
Meanwhile, in Gombe State, Pantami’s absence stems from protracted court battles surrounding the internal party primary process that produced him. The total omission leaves the country’s main opposition party completely unrepresented on the official ballot paper in both states as election preparations intensify.
Reactions have begun pouring in across political circles, with PDP stakeholders pushing back against the omissions while legal teams weigh urgent actions.
The development marks one of the most dramatic electoral pre-election shakeups in recent memory, altering the political landscape in both Ogun and Gombe ahead of election day.
