Ogun 2027: Adebutu vows to challenge omission from INEC’s governorship list

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has vowed to challenge his omission from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s list of candidates for the 2027 election, alleging pressure on the electoral body by the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Adebutu, in a statement addressing concerns over his absence from the published list, said he remained a duly registered PDP member and had completed his digital registration within the stipulated period.

He said his membership card had been printed and verified, while the necessary documents were submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeline.

The former governorship candidate also maintained that the PDP primary that produced him as its flagbearer was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers.

According to him, the relevant documents were presented for verification and certification.

Adebutu said the Ogun State PDP had raised concerns over what it described as undue pressure from the APC on INEC, arguing that the omission was questionable because other PDP candidates contesting for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate appeared on the commission’s published lists.

He said the party would pursue the matter through appropriate channels to ensure that due process was followed.

Adebutu also alleged that the PDP’s campaign had faced repeated obstacles, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of its members.

He urged party members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that the omission would not deter him from pursuing his political ambition.

“I remain confident that it will be resolved, and I assure you that I will not abandon the struggle to bring the leadership and relief our people deserve,” he said.

Adebutu said his campaign was focused on the welfare and development of Ogun State, describing its “Ogun for Ogun” slogan as a call for leadership rooted in the interests of the people.

The omission has raised questions about the PDP’s participation in the Ogun governorship race, although Adebutu said the party was taking steps to address the matter.