The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has reacted to the omission of his name from the final list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Adebutu asserted that he remained a registered member of the PDP and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved through the appropriate channels. He claimed to have completed his digital membership registration within the stipulated period and submitted the required documents to INEC.
Adebutu maintained that the governorship primary that produced him as the PDP candidate was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers. According to him, the relevant documents were presented for verification, certification, and confirmation. Despite the omission of his name from the electoral commission's list, Adebutu said he had not left the PDP and remained committed to the party.
The Ogun State chapter of the PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting pressure on INEC, which it suggested could be responsible for the omission. The party expressed confidence that Adebutu's name would eventually be published and that he would participate in the 2027 governorship election. The PDP also urged INEC to publish his name, insisting that he had fulfilled the requirements for party membership and submitted the necessary documentation within the prescribed period.
Adebutu questioned the circumstances surrounding the omission, noting that the names of other PDP candidates contesting seats in the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate had appeared on the published lists. He said the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and insist on due process. The PDP candidate also alleged that his party had faced other challenges ahead of the election, including restrictions on its campaign billboards and harassment of its members.
Despite these challenges, Adebutu said the party would remain peaceful and determined to participate in the democratic process. He urged PDP members, supporters, and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, assuring them that steps were being taken to address the omission. Adebutu reaffirmed his campaign message, describing "OGUN FOR OGUN" as a call for leadership focused on the needs and welfare of residents.
Adebutu vowed not to abandon his political ambition, saying the struggle was about the welfare of Ogun residents and their right to choose their leaders. He stated that the party would continue to push for the leadership and relief that the people deserve. The PDP candidate emphasized that the cause was bigger than any individual and that it was about the dignity of the people, the progress of the state, and the right of Ogun people to determine their own future.
The development has sparked concerns about the credibility of the electoral process in Ogun State. As the 2027 election approaches, the PDP and its candidate are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that the democratic process is upheld. Key stakeholders, including INEC and the PDP, are expected to resolve the issue amicably to avoid further controversies.
Key points
- Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate, has expressed confidence that his name will be included in the final list of candidates.
- The PDP has accused the APC of mounting pressure on INEC, which may have led to Adebutu's omission from the list.
- Adebutu has vowed not to abandon his political ambition, citing the struggle for the welfare of Ogun residents and their right to choose their leaders.
