INEC recognises Pantami for Gombe, keeps Kano NDC candidate off final list

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its final list of governorship candidates for the forthcoming elections, approving former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Gombe State.

However, the commission has retained the exclusion of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, Gwarzo, citing a subsisting court order that prevents his inclusion in the official list.

INEC announced the development in an update to its final governorship candidates’ list, explaining that the changes followed a review of court judgments and submissions received from political parties.

The commission said Pantami’s inclusion was approved after he and his party fulfilled all relevant legal requirements, paving the way for his recognition as the PDP’s standard-bearer in the Gombe governorship election.

His inclusion represents a significant development in the political contest in Gombe State, where the former minister is expected to lead the PDP’s campaign for the forthcoming governorship poll.

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On the Kano State dispute, however, INEC maintained that it could not recognise or publish Gwarzo’s name as the NDC candidate because the matter remains subject to an existing court order.

According to the commission, the candidate’s exclusion will remain in force until the relevant court order is vacated, stressing that it must comply with judicial directives while the litigation is ongoing.

In its update, INEC stated: “INEC updates final governorship list: Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, PDP, now included for Gombe, Kano NDC’s Gwarzo still omitted under court order.”

The commission explained that the latest adjustments were made in line with its responsibility to ensure that the final list of candidates reflects applicable legal decisions and valid submissions by political parties.

It also reaffirmed that compliance with court orders remains central to its handling of disputes arising from political party nominations and candidate recognition.

INEC said the updated final list would be published on its official website and displayed at all its state offices to enable political parties, candidates and members of the public to access the information.

The development is expected to shape political calculations in Gombe and Kano states as political parties intensify preparations for the forthcoming governorship elections.