Ogun 2027: Adebutu Breaks Silence on Omission From INEC List, PDP Vows to Pursue Matter

By Mariam Lasisi, Presstv News Nigeria

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Ladi Adebutu, has broken his silence following the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) published list of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election.

Adebutu, in a statement addressed to the people of Ogun State, expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved, insisting that he remained a duly registered member of the PDP and had fulfilled the party membership requirements within the stipulated period.

Presstv News Nigeria learnt that the former member of the House of Representatives said he completed his digital registration on time, obtained a printed and verified membership card, and submitted the necessary documentation to INEC within the prescribed period.

He maintained that he had not left the PDP and remained committed to the party’s ambition of taking over the Ogun State Government in 2027.

Adebutu Defends Governorship Candidacy

The PDP candidate also defended the process that produced him as the party’s governorship flag bearer, stating that INEC officials were present as observers during the party’s governorship primary.

According to Adebutu, the relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation, which he said were important considerations in addressing the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the electoral commission’s published list.

His reaction followed INEC’s publication of its final list of governorship candidates, which included candidates from 13 political parties in Ogun State but excluded Adebutu and his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo.

As of the initial reports on the development, INEC had not publicly provided a specific explanation for the omission.

Ogun PDP Raises Political Concerns

The Ogun State PDP, led by its chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, has expressed concern over the development, alleging that pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have influenced the commission’s action.

The party’s position was communicated publicly by its State Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, who reaffirmed the party’s support for Adebutu and called on supporters to remain calm.

The PDP alleged that the circumstances surrounding the omission raised questions about the handling of its governorship candidacy, particularly because its candidates for other elective positions appeared on the published lists.

However, the allegation of political interference remains the party’s position, and no publicly established evidence cited in the initial reports conclusively demonstrated that the APC influenced INEC’s decision.

The party said it would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process be respected.

PDP Vows to Continue 2027 Campaign

Adebutu also alleged that the PDP and its supporters had faced several challenges during their political activities in Ogun State, including restrictions involving campaign billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of party members.

He maintained that such experiences would not deter the party from participating in the democratic process.

The governorship hopeful urged PDP members, supporters and residents of the state to remain peaceful while the party works to address the situation.

He expressed confidence that the omission would be resolved and reiterated his determination to continue pursuing his governorship ambition.

“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future,” Adebutu said.

‘Ogun for Ogun’ Remains Campaign Message

Reaffirming his campaign slogan, “Ogun for Ogun,”Adebutu said his political ambition was rooted in the need for leadership that prioritises the welfare, aspirations and development of the state’s residents.

He insisted that the development would not distract him from his commitment to the people of Ogun State.

“The journey to a better Ogun continues,” he declared, adding that his campaign remained focused on delivering what he described as the leadership and relief the people deserved.

The unfolding situation places the spotlight on the next steps available to the PDP as it seeks clarification and possible redress over the omission of its governorship ticket from INEC’s published list.