Oladipupo Adebutu reacts to his omission from INEC’s Ogun 2027 governorship list, insists on PDP membership and vows to pursue the matter
Ogun 2027: Adebutu Breaks Silence on INEC Omission, Vows to Press On
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has vowed to pursue his political ambition despite the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu, in a message to the people of Ogun State, expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved through the appropriate channels, insisting that he remained a duly registered member of the PDP and committed to the party.
His reaction follows INEC’s publication of its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, which excluded Adebutu and his running mate. The commission’s published list did not state the reason for their omission. The development has raised questions about the PDP’s participation in the Ogun governorship contest.
Adebutu maintained that he completed his digital party registration within the stipulated period, adding that his membership card had been printed and verified. He also insisted that the documents relating to his candidacy were submitted to INEC within the prescribed period.
“I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” Adebutu said.
The former governorship candidate explained that the primary election that produced him as the party’s flagbearer was conducted with INEC officials present as observers.
According to him, the relevant documents were made available for verification, certification and confirmation, which he described as important considerations in resolving the controversy.
Adebutu’s position comes amid growing concerns within the Ogun PDP over the commission’s decision to leave out the party’s governorship ticket from the published list.
The PDP has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) exerted pressure on INEC over the matter. The allegation remains the party’s position, while the electoral commission’s published list did not provide an explanation for the omission.
Adebutu also questioned the circumstances surrounding the development, noting that candidates nominated by the PDP for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate appeared on the relevant published lists, according to his account.
He insisted that the party would pursue the matter through established legal and administrative channels, maintaining that the electoral process must be governed by due process.
“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” he insisted.
The PDP chieftain urged party members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm while efforts were made to address the issue.
He recalled what he described as previous challenges confronting his political movement, including restrictions on campaign billboards, disruptions at campaign venues and harassment of party members.
Adebutu said those experiences had not weakened the determination of his supporters to participate peacefully in the democratic process.
“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,” he said.
He urged residents not to allow the controversy surrounding the INEC list to distract them from the issues he said should dominate political debate in the state, including leadership, development and public welfare.
“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,” he further asserted.
Reaffirming his political message, Adebutu described the slogan “OGUN FOR OGUN” as a call for leadership rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people.
He maintained that his commitment to the state remained unchanged despite the uncertainty surrounding his place on the published candidates’ list.
“No distraction will make us abandon that commitment,” he stressed.
Adebutu expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved and assured his supporters that he would not abandon his political ambition.
“I remain confident that it will be resolved, and I assure you that I will not abandon the struggle to bring the leadership and relief our people deserve,” he said.
He concluded by urging his supporters to remain resolute, insisting that the pursuit of a better Ogun State would continue despite the latest development.
The controversy now places the PDP’s Ogun governorship ticket at the centre of a critical electoral question ahead of the 2027 election. With Adebutu insisting that his party membership and nomination complied with the applicable requirements, attention will remain on the steps taken by the party and any further clarification or action from INEC.
For the PDP, the immediate challenge is to pursue a resolution through the appropriate channels while keeping its supporters informed. For voters in Ogun State, the central issue is whether the dispute will be resolved in time for the party’s candidate to participate in the governorship election.
