The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has publicly addressed the omission of his name from the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections. Adebutu, speaking via a statement on his X handle @ladiadebutu on Sunday, October 11, 2026, said he remains a duly registered PDP member and that all required documentation was submitted to INEC within the prescribed period.
Adebutu's Response to INEC's Published List
INEC released its final list of governorship candidates for Ogun State, and Adebutu's name was not included. The PDP candidate said his digital membership registration was completed within the stipulated period, his membership card was printed and verified, and the relevant documents were presented for INEC's verification and confirmation.
"I remain a duly registered member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I completed my digital registration within the stipulated period, and my membership card was printed and verified. My documentation was duly submitted to INEC within the prescribed time," Adebutu said.
Allegations of APC Pressure on INEC
Adebutu pointed to what he described as undue pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on INEC as a possible factor behind his omission. He noted that candidates of other parties across all other electoral categories, including the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate, had appeared on INEC's published lists, making his omission stand out.
The PDP candidate said the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate legal and institutional channels and insisted that due process must be respected. Adebutu also recalled a broader pattern of difficulties his campaign has encountered, including what he described as restrictions placed on PDP billboards, attacks at campaign events, and harassment of party members. He said the party had remained peaceful throughout.
Adebutu Urges Supporters to Stay Calm
Despite the development, Adebutu urged PDP members and supporters across Ogun State to remain calm, saying the party was taking the necessary steps to resolve the matter. "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 said.
He added that his campaign, which he summarised under the slogan "Ogun for Ogun," remains focused on providing leadership rooted in the needs and welfare of the state's residents.
13 Governorship Candidates for 2027 Election
Legit.ng earlier reported that INEC published the final list of candidates cleared to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. Thirteen candidates from 13 different political parties made the final list, spanning a wide age range. The APC candidate, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, is among the most prominent names on the list.
