INEC lists 16 candidates for Gombe governorship race, omits PDP’s Pantami

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has omitted Isa Ibrahim Pantami from its final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, raising questions about the former minister of Communications and digital economy’s participation in the race.

The final list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains 16 governorship candidates and their running mates from various political parties.

Mr Pantami’s name does not appear on the list.

A review of the document also shows that no candidate is listed under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Pantami emerged as the party’s candidate in a fresh primary election in September, after a court voided his earlier nomination.

Mr Pantami’s absence is particularly significant given the legal disputes surrounding the PDP governorship ticket in Gombe State and the court-ordered fresh primary that produced him as the party’s candidate.

READ ALSO; Rival queries Pantami’s eligibility for Gombe PDP rerun primary

INEC’s document does not state why Mr Pantami was omitted or explain the absence of the PDP from the list.

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

The publication of the candidates’ names comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with parties and candidates positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested race in the state.

Further clarification from INEC and the PDP is expected to determine the implications of the final list for Pantami’s political ambition.