The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is engaging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resolve the exclusion of some of its candidates from the commission’s final list for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s spokesperson for the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Jungudo Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Mohammed said the party was addressing the matter through discussions with INEC in line with existing laws and established electoral guidelines.
He assured affected candidates and party members that the PDP was treating the development seriously and would provide further updates as discussions progressed.
“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 statement read.
The PDP spokesperson also urged affected candidates, members and supporters to remain calm and avoid actions or public statements that could undermine the ongoing engagements with the electoral commission.
Pantami, Adebutu Among Excluded Candidates
Some of the PDP candidates reportedly excluded from INEC’s final list include Isa Pantami of Gombe State and Ladi Adebutu of Ogun State.
Their exclusion has raised concerns within the party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The PDP said it would continue engaging the commission to ensure that the concerns of affected candidates were properly addressed in accordance with the law.
INEC Reviews Supreme Court Judgment on Electoral Act
Meanwhile, INEC has disclosed that it is reviewing a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that could affect the eligibility of some candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, reportedly disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing a press conference on INEC’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
The Supreme Court had affirmed the validity of Sections 77 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, concerning eligibility to participate in party primary elections.
The judgment followed appeals involving the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The ruling has reportedly created uncertainty over the status of some politicians who moved to other political parties after failing to secure tickets from the parties they were initially associated with.
The legal implications of the judgment could affect the eligibility of some candidates seeking to contest the 2027 elections, making INEC’s review particularly significant for political parties and their aspirants.
As the PDP continues its engagement with INEC, affected candidates will be awaiting clarification on their status and the steps available to address their exclusion from the final list.