Political Drama In Gombe As INEC Excludes Former Minister Pantami From Final Governorship List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest seats in the State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The list, published on October 10, 2026, contains the names of candidates nominated by various political parties for the forthcoming state legislative elections. The document was signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, ahead of the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.

In a related development, the commission has excluded former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, from the final list of governorship candidates for Gombe State.

Pantami’s name reportedly appeared on the provisional list released on August 29, 2026, but was absent from the final list, which contains 16 candidates cleared to contest the Gombe governorship election.

Among the candidates on the final list are Bala Bello Tinka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Babayo Ardo Kumo of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Others include Zubairu Mu’azu Halilu of the Labour Party, Lamela L. Silas of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Ibrahim Jalo Abubakar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Adamu Mohammed Ma’aji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), among other candidates.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the publication of the final list represents another step in preparations for the February 6, 2027, elections. Pantami’s exclusion from Gombe State’s final governorship list is also expected to draw attention as political parties and aspirants prepare for the contest.