Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has reacted to his exclusion from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election. Adebutu described the development as a temporary distraction, insisting that it would not derail his political activities or ambition. He made these comments in Abeokuta while the PDP received a former member of the House of Representatives, Olusegun Williams, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP alongside his supporters.
Adebutu dismissed any suggestion that he had left the PDP, emphasizing that his political record and participation in the party’s activities over the years were sufficient evidence of his membership. He challenged anyone with contrary evidence to establish when he allegedly defected to another political party. According to Adebutu, he has been a candidate of PDP five consecutive times and has been actively involved in the party’s activities for the last 20 years.
The PDP governorship candidate disclosed that he actively participated in organizing and financing the recent PDP membership registration exercise in Ogun State, which recorded about 19,800 members. He personally registered during the exercise and was assigned membership number 1536. Adebutu argued that his participation in the registration exercise and his long-standing membership of the party made his exclusion from the INEC list questionable.
Adebutu accused the ruling APC in the state of attempting to weaken opposition parties rather than allowing them to compete based on their achievements. He said political parties should be allowed to present their scorecards to the electorate and seek votes through democratic means instead of using political power to frustrate their opponents. According to Adebutu, opposition supporters and businesses were being harassed in the state, while billboards erected by his supporters were allegedly destroyed or vandalised.
The PDP chieftain further alleged that the state government had borrowed excessively without commensurate development, claiming that Ogun State had little to show for its accumulated debts. Adebutu expressed confidence in the country’s judicial system, insisting that he fulfilled the requirements for party membership and participation in the primaries. He described the omission as an attempt to slow down the party’s preparations and discourage its supporters.
Adebutu maintained that the development would eventually work in their favour, saying that they are used to such challenges and have always welcomed them. He added that the party has no fear and that the temporary setback has just slowed them down. The PDP governorship candidate also disclosed that he was not worried about the exclusion, as he was certain that the issue would be resolved in court.
The controversy surrounding Adebutu’s exclusion from the INEC list has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders, with many calling for a peaceful resolution of the matter. As the situation unfolds, Adebutu remains optimistic that justice will be served and that he will be able to participate in the governorship election. Key to this is the PDP's ability to navigate the challenge and maintain its momentum in the state.
Key points
- Adebutu's exclusion from INEC's list is a temporary distraction - Adebutu
- Adebutu accuses APC of weakening opposition parties
- Adebutu expresses confidence in Nigeria's judicial system
