Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has expressed confidence that the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) published list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election will be resolved.
Adebutu, in a statement addressing concerns over his absence from the list, said he remained a registered PDP member, insisting that he completed his digital registration within the stipulated period and that his membership card had been printed and verified.
He said his documents were also submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe, adding that he had not left the PDP and remained committed to the party.
The former governorship candidate further stated that the PDP primary that produced him as its flag bearer was conducted with INEC officials present as observers, while relevant documents were submitted for verification, certification and confirmation.
Adebutu said the Ogun State PDP had expressed concern over what it described as pressure allegedly mounted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on INEC.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the omission, noting that candidates of the PDP for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate were included in the commission’s published lists.
He said the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process be followed.
Adebutu also alleged that the PDP’s campaign had faced previous challenges, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of party members.
Despite these alleged incidents, he said the party had remained peaceful and committed to democratic participation, insisting that no form of intimidation should deny Ogun residents the opportunity to choose their preferred leaders.
He urged party members, supporters and residents of the state to remain calm, saying the party was taking the necessary steps to address the omission.
Adebutu maintained that he would not abandon his ambition to provide what he described as the leadership and relief Ogun residents deserved.
Describing the party’s ‘Ogun for Ogun’ slogan as a call for leadership rooted in the interests and welfare of residents, he said the campaign remained focused on the state’s progress and the people’s right to determine their future.
INEC’s reasons for omitting Adebutu’s name were not stated in his declaration.