The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting undue pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete the name of its candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, from the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election. The PDP alleged that the APC's actions were motivated by fear of losing the election to Adebutu.
The INEC list, released on Saturday, did not include the PDP in Ogun and Gombe states, sparking widespread speculation about the reasons behind the omission. The PDP described the development as an attempt to frustrate its campaign and vowed to continue its consultations with stakeholders. Adebutu and his running mate, Alhaja Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, continued their campaign activities, moving from one community to another, with large crowds turning out to receive them.
According to Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo, the APC's celebration over the technical omission is a confirmation of panic, as the party is aware of its impending defeat. She claimed that an internal survey commissioned by the APC showed that Adebutu would win 60 percent of the votes if the election were held today. The survey allegedly prompted the APC to attempt to break Adebutu's momentum.
The Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, dismissed allegations about the party's membership register, saying that he had registered all members and forwarded the register to the national body. Tella expressed confidence that the party would overcome any challenges and emerge victorious in the election.
Political observers have attributed the APC's fear of Adebutu to his philanthropic activities, which have earned him widespread support across the state. Adebutu has single-handedly donated over 700 transformers to communities across Ogun State through his Ladi Adebutu Development Organisation (LADO). He has also rehabilitated hospital facilities, built classrooms, and constructed roads with drainage in various parts of the state.
Adebutu's entry into politics has been seen as a threat to the APC, particularly with his organic support base. His campaign has been gaining momentum, with market women, okada riders, and non-indigenes pledging to repay his gestures at the ballot. In contrast, stakeholders in Ogun have expressed dissatisfaction with the current APC administration, citing abandoned roads, heavy taxation, and neglect of rural communities.
As the situation unfolds, INEC has not explained why it omitted the PDP in Ogun and Gombe from the list, while the APC has remained silent over allegations of nocturnal meetings between Senator Adeola Yayi and electoral officers. The PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the party is engaging INEC to secure an amicable resolution and urged supporters to remain calm.
Key points
- Ogun PDP accuses APC of pressuring INEC to omit Ladi Adebutu's name from final list of candidates.
- Adebutu's philanthropic activities have earned him widespread support across Ogun State.
- PDP vows to continue campaign activities, despite technical omission from INEC list.
