PDP’s Adebutu Vows to Challenge Exclusion from INEC’s Final Governorship List

Ladi Adebutu, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state, says he will challenge the omission of his name from the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Adebutu said he remained a duly registered member of the PDP and had completed his digital registration within the stipulated period.

Adebutu and his running mate’s names were missing from the list published on the electoral umpire’s website on Saturday.

The commission did not explain why the candidate’s name was dropped from the list.

Adebutu said his membership card had been printed and verified, while the relevant documentation had been submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe.

“I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.

The former member of the house of representatives said the governorship primary election that produced him as the party’s candidate was conducted with INEC officials in attendance as observers.

“The relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation. These are important facts that must not be overlooked in the present circumstances,” he said.

Adebutu said the omission is troubling because other PDP candidates for the Ogun state house of assembly, house of representatives and senate had been included in INEC’s lists.

He alleged that the Ogun state PDP had raised concerns about alleged undue pressure exerted on INEC by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” he said.

“This is not an isolated experience in our journey. Our party has faced attempts to frustrate our campaign, including restrictions on our billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of our members.

“Yet, we have remained peaceful, determined and committed to democratic participation. No amount of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from having a fair opportunity to choose leaders of their choice.”

The governorship candidate asked PDP members and supporters to remain calm and steadfast, adding that necessary steps are being taken to address the matter.