INEC list: PDP accuses APC of pressuring commission, insists Adebutu remains its candidate

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting undue pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, from the commission’s published list of candidates for the 2027 election.

The opposition party, however, expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would eventually appear on the list, insisting that he remains a duly registered member of the PDP and its legitimate governorship candidate.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the PDP alleged that the omission was linked to pressure from the ruling party, which it claimed was apprehensive about losing the forthcoming election.

The party maintained that Adebutu had never left the PDP and completed his digital membership registration within the stipulated period. It added that his membership card was printed and verified, while the relevant documents were submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe.

“We state emphatically that our candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, who has never left the Peoples Democratic Party at any time, duly registered as a member of the party within the designated period of the digital registration,” the statement said.

The PDP urged its members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, assuring them that the omission would not derail its preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

The party also expressed confidence in its chances at the polls, urging supporters not to be distracted by what it described as political manipulation and calculated attempts to undermine its campaign.

It called on party faithful and the general public to remain steadfast and vigilant, saying its campaign to rescue Ogun State and improve residents’ welfare remained on course.

The PDP reiterated its determination to contest the 2027 election, insisting that attempts to frustrate Adebutu’s candidacy would not deter the party from pursuing what it described as the people’s mandate.

The statement was signed by Adebayo on behalf of the Ogun State chapter of the party.

The PDP’s allegation against the APC has not been independently established. INEC’s explanation for Adebutu’s omission, as well as the APC’s response to the accusation, was not contained in the statement.