The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has expressed confidence that its governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, will be included on the ballot for the 2027 governorship election, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, urged residents of the state, party members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that Adebutu remains its candidate for the forthcoming election.
The PDP attributed the omission of Adebutu’s name from INEC’s list to what it described as undue pressure from the ruling party, alleging that the development was driven by fears of losing the election. However, the party did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation in the statement.
The opposition party maintained that Adebutu had complied with the party’s membership registration requirements within the stipulated period.
According to the statement, the governorship candidate registered digitally as a PDP member, obtained his membership card, and had his registration verified before the necessary documents were submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe.
The party also dismissed suggestions that Adebutu had left the PDP, insisting that he had remained a member of the party.
Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the PDP said it remained confident that its candidate would be listed by INEC and participate in the contest.
The statement further urged Ogun residents not to be distracted by the controversy surrounding the candidate’s omission, calling on supporters to remain focused on the party’s political objectives.
“No amount of desperate manipulation, political witch-hunts, or calculated distractions can alter the mandate of the people of Ogun State,” the statement said.
The party also called on its members and supporters to remain steadfast and vigilant as it pursues what it described as a movement to rescue the state and bring relief to residents.
The development places renewed attention on the status of the PDP’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election. INEC’s position on the omission, the reasons behind it and any subsequent official clarification will be important in determining the next steps in the matter.
The statement was signed by Arc. Kayode Adebayo, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State.
