INEC Removes Kano Governorship Candidate From Final List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly omitted Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, from a fresh list of candidates for the 2027 governorship elections.

The reported development also involves former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, whose candidacies have recently attracted attention over questions surrounding their electoral documentation.

Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State, emerged as the NDC’s governorship candidate in May 2026 following his political realignment with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. His nomination was subsequently reported by several Nigerian media organisations.

The reported omission from the fresh list raises questions about the status of the three politicians ahead of the February 6, 2027, governorship elections.

Gwarzo’s Candidacy Under Scrutiny

Gwarzo had previously featured in published reports on INEC’s list of governorship candidates for Kano State. A candidate tracker also identified him as the NDC’s nominee for the contest.

However, the reason for his reported absence from the latest list has not been independently established. It remains unclear whether the development is connected to a court order, a nomination issue, an administrative correction or another electoral matter.

Pantami, Adebutu Also Mentioned

Pantami, who is associated with the governorship race in Gombe State, was among the prominent politicians identified in earlier reports on INEC’s candidate particulars.