The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Monday that 16 candidates have been cleared to contest the Gombe State governorship election scheduled for 6 February 2027, but the list did not include former minister Aminu Waziri Pantami.
INEC’s release confirmed the total number of aspirants who met the commission’s eligibility criteria for the upcoming poll, which will determine the next governor of Nigeria’s northeastern Gombe State.
Pantami responded to the omission, though the report did not provide the details of his statement. He indicated that he would seek clarification from the electoral body regarding his exclusion from the roster of approved candidates.
INEC is responsible for vetting and clearing candidates for all elections in Nigeria, a process that involves verification of party primaries, compliance with constitutional requirements and the submission of necessary documentation.
The exclusion of a high‑profile figure such as Pantami may prompt further inquiries or legal challenges, as candidates who feel aggrieved by the commission’s decisions often turn to the courts to contest the outcome.
<small>Source: Premium Times Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
