INEC lists 17 Plateau candidates as NDC ticket faces court challenge

The Independent National Electoral Commission has listed 17 candidates for Plateau State’s governorship election scheduled for February 6, 2027, while a court dispute leaves the Nigeria Democratic Congress ticket unresolved. The list names All Progressives Congress candidate and incumbent Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who is seeking re-election, and Peoples Democratic Party candidate Ropshik Wungak. It also names Jonathan Akuns for the NDC. The election is scheduled for February 6, 2027. A Federal High Court order dated September 28 restrained Akuns from presenting himself as the NDC candidate until a suit challenging the nomination is determined. The order was not a final ruling on the ticket. Alfred Dapal is also seeking recognition as the party’s candidate. At a later hearing in the Dapal case, his counsel sought to withdraw the suit, while the defendants opposed the request. The court adjourned after INEC’s counsel asked for time to respond. No next hearing date was provided in the reports. Manasseh Watyll, chairman of Akuns’ campaign organisation, said the NDC national leadership’s records did not show that Dapal completed party membership or the nomination process.