The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has assured party members and supporters that he remains committed to the party despite his omission from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu, in a statement issued on Sunday, said he had fulfilled the requirements for party membership and submitted the necessary documents to INEC within the stipulated deadline.
His running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, was also absent from the commission’s published list of candidates for the election.
Addressing concerns over the development, Adebutu maintained that he had not left the PDP and remained determined to contest the governorship election under the party’s platform.
He said his digital membership registration was completed within the period prescribed by the party, adding that his membership card had been printed and verified.
“I am aware of the concerns following the omission of my name from INEC’s published list of Ogun governorship candidates for the 2027 election. I consider it important to address you directly and reassure you that there is no cause for alarm,” he stated.
Adebutu also defended the process through which he emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate, claiming that INEC officials were present as observers during the party’s primary election.
According to him, the relevant documents were made available for verification and confirmation.
Adebutu Alleges Pressure On INEC
The former governorship candidate said the Ogun State chapter of the PDP had raised concerns about what it described as pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on INEC.
He argued that the omission required clarification, particularly because, according to him, the party’s candidates for other elective positions, including the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate, had been included in the published lists.
Adebutu said the PDP would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels, insisting that the process should be handled in accordance with the law.
However, his allegation of pressure on INEC was presented as the PDP’s position and was not independently established in the statement.
PDP Candidate Urges Supporters To Remain Calm
Adebutu further alleged that his party had faced several challenges in Ogun State, including restrictions involving campaign billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of members.
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He said such experiences had not weakened the party’s determination to participate in the electoral process.
The PDP candidate urged party members and supporters to remain peaceful while the party worked to resolve the issue surrounding his exclusion from INEC’s list.
“I urge our members, supporters and the good people of Ogun State to remain calm and steadfast. The party has spoken, and the necessary steps are being taken to address this matter,” he said.
Adebutu added that he remained confident the issue would be resolved and pledged not to abandon what he described as the struggle to provide better leadership for Ogun State.
He also stressed that the party’s objective went beyond his personal ambition, describing it as a campaign centred on the welfare and future of the state’s residents.
Reaffirming his political message, Adebutu said the slogan “OGUN FOR OGUN” represented his call for leadership that prioritised the interests and needs of the people.