The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has vowed to challenge the omission of his name from the final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Sunday, Adebutu said he remained a duly registered PDP member and had completed his digital registration within the stipulated period.
Adebutu and his running mate were absent from the list published on INEC’s website on Saturday. However, the commission did not provide an explanation for their exclusion.
Adebutu said his membership card had been printed and verified, while the required documents had been submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe.
“I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.
The former member of the House of Representatives added that the governorship primary election that produced him as the party’s candidate was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers.
“The relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation. These are important facts that must not be overlooked in the present circumstances,” he said.
Adebutu described the omission as troubling, noting that other PDP candidates contesting seats in the Ogun State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate had been included in INEC’s lists.
He also alleged that the Ogun State PDP had raised concerns over alleged undue pressure on INEC from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” he said.
Adebutu said the party had previously encountered challenges in its campaign, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of its members.
“This is not an isolated experience in our journey. Our party has faced attempts to frustrate our campaign, including restrictions on our billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of our members.
“Yet, we have remained peaceful, determined and committed to democratic participation. No amount of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from having a fair opportunity to choose leaders of their choice.”
The governorship candidate urged PDP members and supporters to remain calm and resolute, adding that steps were being taken to address the matter.