PDP Meets INEC Deadline as Pantami Alleges Plot Against Gombe Ambition

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it met the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) October 24 deadline for correcting omissions in the list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, amid concerns over the exclusion of some aspirants.

The party’s National Organising Secretary, Captain Umar Bature (rtd), confirmed the development, saying the PDP completed the necessary corrections within the stipulated period.

“Yes, we met the deadline since,” Bature told *Vanguard*.

He explained that the omissions affected governorship candidates in two states and several candidates contesting seats in the State Houses of Assembly.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has alleged that some individuals are working to frustrate his governorship ambition in Gombe State.

Pantami, who is seeking the PDP governorship ticket, vowed to publicly disclose the identities of those allegedly involved in the plot, saying investigations had confirmed his suspicions.

In a video shared on his Facebook page, he claimed that significant resources had been deployed to undermine his political movement.

“Our investigations have now confirmed that these allegations are true. There is no amount of money or effort that has not been expended in an attempt to scuttle this movement,” he said.

His allegation comes after INEC omitted his name from its final list of governorship candidates for the 2027 election, raising questions about his candidacy.

However, Pantami did not identify those he accused or provide publicly verifiable details of the alleged plot in the video cited.

The former minister urged his supporters not to be discouraged by the controversy surrounding his candidacy, encouraging them to remain committed and continue praying for the success of his political ambition.

He also expressed appreciation to residents who had organised prayer sessions and mobilised support for him, describing their commitment as a demonstration of faith and dedication.

“You canvassed support, mobilised people, enlightened them and remained steadfast throughout this period. This is commendable, and this is a sign of true piety,” he said.

Pantami added: “Do not relent. Do not be angry or discouraged, because you are the ones who will be elevated, provided you remain steadfast in your belief in Allah.”

The PDP’s confirmation that it met INEC’s deadline and Pantami’s allegations highlight separate developments surrounding the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections. Whether the corrections will address the issues affecting the omitted candidates, including Pantami, remains unclear from the information available.