INEC Drops Adebutu From Ogun Governorship Ballot; PDP Cries Foul
The Independent National Electoral Commission has excluded PDP candidate Ladi Adebutu and running mate from its final 2027 candidates list, prompting the…
INEC has struck Ladi Adebutu, the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party's gubernatorial choice, and his running mate Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo from its ballot for the February 6, 2027 elections. On Saturday, the electoral body released its final candidates list, conspicuously excluding both PDP entries.
This leaves the opposition faction as the sole major party without representation in the state's race for governor. Thirteen competing political parties saw their candidates retained in the document.
The Ogun branch of the PDP has rejected this exclusion, blaming political meddling from the ruling All Progressives Congress. Through Arc. Kayode Adebayo, its Publicity Secretary, the party issued a statement expressing optimism regarding resolution and reinstatement of Adebutu to the ballot.
Members and supporters received assurances to remain patient as the party pursues remedies via proper mechanisms, reaffirming that Adebutu qualifies as both a legitimate party affiliate and candidate. Adebutu's removal reflects a pattern of similar candidate eliminations across various regions by INEC.
Isa Pantami, a former Minister, was excluded as the PDP's gubernatorial hopeful elsewhere, whereas the National Democratic Congress saw Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo removed from Kano's ballot. The commission has refrained from disclosing explicit justifications for these actions, though available reports link them to adherence with electoral code provisions covering party membership authentication and documentation of primary procedures.
The PDP's claim of external pressure introduces dispute surrounding INEC's process for vetting candidates. Though the party has refrained from submitting substantive proof of APC involvement, it continues asserting this through official party communications.
With the PDP absent from Ogun's ballot, electoral options narrow considerably in a critical southwestern state as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
Sources
- Legit.ng: Full List: PDP, NDC governorship candidates dropped by INEC and Why
- Leadership Newspaper: INEC List: Adebutu Will Be On The Guber Ballot – Ogun PDP
- The Will: INEC Final List Omits Adebutu, Pantami, Gwarzo, includes Chinda
- Nigerian Tribune: Ogun: Adebutu, running mate’s names missing as INEC releases final list
- Naijanews: Ogun PDP Alleges APC Interference As INEC Omits Adebutu’s Name
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