The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exclude its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, from the final list for the 2027 election.
The allegation followed the publication of INEC’s final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, which omitted Adebutu’s name, leaving the PDP without a listed candidate in Ogun State.
The commission’s list, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and published on its website on Saturday, contains 13 governorship candidates for Ogun State.
Reacting to the development, the Ogun PDP described Adebutu’s exclusion as a matter of concern and alleged that the APC was behind the move because of fears about the outcome of the election.
In a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, the opposition party urged its members and supporters not to panic, insisting that Adebutu remained its duly nominated candidate.
The party said Adebutu had registered as a member within the stipulated period, obtained a printed membership card, undergone verification and had his details submitted to INEC before the deadline.
It also dismissed concerns about his eligibility arising from allegations that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to the electoral commission.
“The public should be informed that the omission of our candidate’s name in INEC’s list is as a result of the undue pressure mounted by the ruling party on INEC out of fear of losing the election,” the statement said.
The Ogun PDP expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would eventually be published, vowing that the development would not deter its determination to challenge the APC at the polls.
INEC’s published list features Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC candidate, alongside Jimi Lawal of the African Democratic Congress, Babajide Rotimi of the Allied Peoples Movement, Adenuga Adekunle of the Boot Party and Akinbola Rotham of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
The Accord Party candidate, Agbongboakala, was also missing from the list.
Adebutu’s exclusion comes amid questions over his membership status, with allegations that his name was absent from the membership register submitted to INEC. The Ogun PDP, however, maintains that it complied with the required registration and submission procedures.
The commission’s published list also excludes former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, who emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate in Gombe State. His omission follows a court dispute over the process that produced him as the party’s candidate.
INEC has not publicly stated in the information available why Adebutu’s name was omitted. The PDP’s allegation of APC pressure remains the party’s claim.
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