2027 Elections: PDP Breaks Silence On Candidates Missing From INEC List

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is working to resolve the exclusion of some of its candidates from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list for the 2027 general elections.

The party’s spokesperson for the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Jungudo Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Mohammed said the party was engaging with INEC to address the matter in line with the law and established electoral guidelines. He added that the PDP would provide further updates as discussions progress.

He also appealed to affected candidates, party members and supporters to remain calm and avoid actions or statements that could disrupt the ongoing engagements with the electoral commission.

According to the statement, the party is treating the matter seriously and remains committed to ensuring that legitimate concerns raised by its candidates are addressed.

The development follows reports that some PDP candidates were omitted from INEC’s final list, including Isa Pantami of Gombe State and Ladi Adebutu of Ogun State.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the commission is reviewing a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that could affect candidates’ eligibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amupitan disclosed the development while addressing a press conference on the commission’s preparations for the general elections.

The Supreme Court had affirmed the validity of Sections 77 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, in appeals involving the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The judgment has raised questions about the eligibility of some aspirants, particularly those who moved to other political parties after failing to secure tickets from their original parties.

The provisions under review concern party membership and participation in primary elections, issues that could have implications for candidates seeking to contest under different political platforms.

As the PDP continues its engagement with INEC, the status of the affected candidates remains a matter of concern ahead of the 2027 general elections. The outcome will depend on the applicable legal provisions and the commission’s consideration of the court judgment.