The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 election, 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.
In a statement obtained on Sunday addressing the controversy, the governorship candidate said he completed his digital membership registration within the stipulated period, adding that his membership card was printed, verified and submitted to INEC alongside the required documents.
He also 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.
Adebutu said he had not left the PDP and remained committed to the party despite the omission of his name from the electoral commission’s list.
The development comes after 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.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, the PDP expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would eventually be published and that he would participate in the 2027 governorship election.
The party 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, in his reaction, 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, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of its members.
Despite these challenges, he said the party would remain peaceful and determined to participate in the democratic process.
Adebutu urged PDP members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, assuring them that steps were being taken to address the omission.
“The party has spoken, and the necessary steps are being taken to address this matter. 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 stated.
He also vowed not to abandon his political ambition, saying the struggle was about the welfare of Ogun residents and their right to choose their leaders.
“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 said.
Reaffirming his campaign message, Adebutu described “OGUN FOR OGUN” as a call for leadership focused on the needs and welfare of residents.
He added that the party remained committed to its campaign despite the controversy surrounding his exclusion from the list.
