What we know: PDP Confronts INEC Over Omission of Adebutu, Pantami from 2027 Guber List

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the exclusion of some of its gubernatorial aspirants from the commission’s final list for the 2027 elections, which was made public on Saturday.

Jungudo Mohammed, the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement on Sunday, affirming that the party is taking the matter seriously and is pursuing an amicable resolution that aligns with established electoral laws and guidelines. The party appealed to its affected candidates, members, and supporters to maintain calm and patience as engagements with INEC continue.

Part of the official statement read: “The party wishes to assure all affected candidates, members and supporters that it is already engaging with INEC to address the issues responsible for the omissions, with a view to securing an amicable resolution in accordance with the law and established electoral guidelines.”

It further stated, “The PDP, therefore, assures all concerned that it is treating this development with the utmost seriousness it deserves and will communicate further developments as appropriate. The party is committed to ensuring that all legitimate concerns are properly addressed with the commission.”

The PDP urged, “Consequently, the party calls on all affected candidates, members and supporters to remain calm, exercise patience and refrain from actions or statements capable of undermining the ongoing engagements with the commission.”

PUNCH Online previously reported that INEC had released its conclusive roster of candidates for the governorship elections scheduled for February 6, 2027, on Saturday. Notably, the PDP was absent from the lists for both Ogun and Gombe states.

Signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on the commission’s official website, the lists featured 13 candidates for Ogun State and 16 for Gombe State, yet no PDP candidate appeared for either state. Among those conspicuously left out were Ladi Adebutu for Ogun State and Isa Ali Pantami for Gombe State.