Ogun PDP Governorship Candidate Ladi Adebutu Challenges INEC Exclusion

A Contested Candidacy

Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State, has formally denied allegations that he defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This denial comes in response to his recent exclusion from the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the upcoming February 6, 2027, gubernatorial election.

According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria, the INEC list, which was signed by commission Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, includes 13 candidates but notably lacks a representative for the PDP. The omission has sparked significant political discourse regarding the status of Adebutu’s membership within his party.

The Membership Controversy

The core of the dispute centers on allegations that Adebutu’s name was absent from the official PDP membership register submitted to the electoral commission. Critics have suggested that his registration occurred after the formal submission deadline, a claim that would disqualify him under current electoral guidelines.

Adebutu has characterized these reports as unfounded. Speaking in Abeokuta on Monday while welcoming new defectors from the APC, he asserted that he has maintained an unbroken tenure with the PDP for over two decades. He emphasized his long-standing history of contesting elections under the party’s banner, stating that his commitment to the platform has remained consistent throughout his political career.

Demanding Evidence

In a direct challenge to his detractors, Adebutu questioned the validity of the claims regarding his alleged defection. He invited those making the accusations to produce verifiable proof, specifically asking for evidence that he had ever visited the offices of an opposing political party.

At what stage did I leave the party? Where is the proof that for one day, I even visited APC office?

Adebutu described the current situation as a “temporary distraction” and insisted that the administrative hurdle would not impede his ongoing political activities or his campaign efforts leading up to the 2027 election.

Looking Ahead

As of the time of reporting, the specific legal or administrative path for resolving the discrepancy in the INEC register remains unclear. The commission has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the specific reasons for the PDP’s total exclusion from the list beyond the publication of the document itself. For now, Adebutu maintains that his candidacy remains a viable pursuit, framing the controversy as a hurdle rather than a conclusion to his electoral ambitions.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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