By Musa Garba

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, with the name of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, missing from the list.

The development raises fresh questions about Pantami’s participation in the governorship race, following the legal disputes surrounding his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

Pantami had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate after a fresh primary election conducted on September 29, 2026, following a court order nullifying an earlier exercise.

His emergence, however, has remained contentious, with other aspirants challenging aspects of the primary process and his participation in the contest.

INEC’s final list is expected to provide clarity on the candidates cleared to contest the governorship election in the state. Pantami’s omission could further complicate his political ambition, depending on the reasons for his exclusion and any subsequent legal or administrative developments.

As of the release of the list, the specific reason for Pantami’s omission was not immediately clear.

The development is likely to attract further attention in Gombe’s political circles as parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 governorship election.