INEC Unveils Final 2027 Candidates’ List as Jonathan, Nwoko, Goje and Other Political Heavyweights Miss Out
INEC Unveils Final 2027 Candidates’ List as Jonathan, Nwoko, Goje and Other Political Heavyweights Miss Out
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, bringing an end to months of political negotiations, party primaries, and internal appeals across the country’s major political parties.
The publication of the list has produced several notable surprises, with a number of high-profile politicians absent despite earlier speculations about their participation in the elections.
Among the most prominent names missing is former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose purported nomination by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, was not reflected in INEC’s final publication.
Also absent from the list are Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), former Gombe State Governor Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), and Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South.
Ned Nwoko Misses Out as Okowa Emerges
In Delta State, INEC’s published list confirmed that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa secured the APC senatorial ticket for Delta North, effectively ending Senator Ned Nwoko’s bid to return to the Senate under the party’s platform.
The development validates the outcome of the APC primary election, where Nwoko was unsuccessful in his quest for the party’s nomination.
Goje Loses APC Ticket in Gombe
Another major political figure affected by the final list is former Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje, who failed to secure the APC ticket for Gombe Central Senatorial District.
The party instead nominated retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed as its candidate for the seat.
On the PDP side, former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate for Gombe North, while Senator Anthony Siyako clinched the ticket for Gombe South.
Bauchi Lawmakers Absent from Final List
In Bauchi State, two serving federal lawmakers also did not make the final list released by the electoral commission.
They include Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South, and Hon. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.
Political developments within the state indicate that Senator Buba will not seek another Senate term after leaving the APC for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), where he secured the party’s governorship ticket.
Meanwhile, Mansur Soro had earlier announced his decision not to contest either for the Bauchi Central Senatorial seat or another term in the House of Representatives.
APC Review Restores Some Senators
Although several influential politicians lost out, the APC’s internal review process resulted in the reinstatement of six serving senators after the party’s National Working Committee considered recommendations from its Primary Election Appeal Committee.
The review covered disputes from nine states, including Kogi, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Abia, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi.
The lawmakers reinstated by the party include:
Senator Sunday Karimi Senator Emmanuel Udende Senator Titus Zam Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire Senator Olajide Ipinsagba
In Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne also emerged as the APC candidate for Abia South, replacing Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu.
One of the most significant outcomes of the review was the reversal of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam’s earlier victory, with the APC restoring the ticket to incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende.
Political Landscape Takes Shape
With the publication of the final candidates’ list, attention now shifts to campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections as political parties intensify efforts to secure victory at the polls.
The list also signals the conclusion of internal party disputes over nominations, although analysts expect some aggrieved aspirants may still explore legal options where applicable.
Courtesy: Sunday PUNCH
Published by: ProlificX Premium Network
