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By Philip Nwosu
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against political manipulation following the omission of some governorship candidates from its published list for the 2027 general elections.
The group demanded a transparent investigation into allegations that candidates’ names were electronically removed after their parties had duly submitted them, warning that unresolved controversies could undermine public confidence in the polls and heighten political tensions.
In a statement issued yesterday by its President, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, CD questioned the omission of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates in Gombe and Ogun states, Isa Pantami and Oladipupo Adebutu, respectively, as well as Adebutu’s running mate.
According to the organisation, the affected candidates emerged through primaries monitored by INEC and had appeared on an earlier list published by the commission on August 29, 2026.
It said their subsequent omission, without an immediate public explanation, raised questions about the commission’s transparency, impartiality and preparedness for the elections.
CD expressed particular concern about Ogun State, alleging that some members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had repeatedly claimed that Adebutu would be disqualified from contesting the governorship election.
The group said the subsequent omission of Adebutu and his running mate, without an accompanying explanation, heightened suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the development.
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Although it acknowledged that INEC later issued a clarification, CD criticised the delay, describing it as avoidable and damaging to public confidence. “An electoral umpire must not only be independent; it must be seen to be independent.”
The organisation urged INEC to ensure that decisions affecting candidates’ participation complied strictly with the law and established procedures, stressing that elections belonged to Nigerians and should not be subjected to the interests of any political party, individual or governing authority.
“No institution should take actions that create the impression that opposition participation can be determined by administrative discretion without transparent, constitutional justification and due process,” it stated.
CD warned that unresolved disputes over candidates’ eligibility and participation could deepen distrust in the electoral process, heighten tensions in affected states and threaten public peace.
It also called on the commission to strengthen its public information management system and promptly explain decisions capable of generating widespread concern.
According to the group, timely communication would help prevent misinformation, manage public expectations and reduce tensions arising from electoral controversies.
The organisation pledged to monitor the conduct of institutions responsible for managing the elections and mobilise citizens and other pro-democracy groups for lawful civic action whenever it considered any development a threat to political pluralism and participatory democracy.
Established in 1991, CD played a prominent role in the struggle for the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria and continues to advocate accountability, the rule of law and democratic governance.
