The race towards the 2027 general elections has taken another interesting turn following reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and Aminu Gwarzo to contest, subject to the outcome of pending court cases.
However, the commission reportedly rejected a petition submitted by former Ogun State governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu, who had sought to be included in the list of candidates.
The decisions followed the review of 69 petitions submitted by political parties over the exclusion of some governorship and State House of Assembly candidates. An INEC source reportedly disclosed that about 36 petitions were successful.
Although the reported clearance is welcome news for Pantami and Gwarzo, their political situations are not entirely settled because pending court proceedings could still affect the final outcome.
Adebutu’s rejection, meanwhile, could create further uncertainty for the PDP in Ogun State as the party prepares for the next election cycle.
With INEC expected to provide further official clarification, political parties and their supporters will be watching closely. The 2027 election preparations are already producing major surprises.
