The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election.
The final list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains 13 governorship candidates from various political parties, but neither Adebutu nor his deputy appears on it. The commission did not provide an explanation for the omission.
Candidates on the Final List
The APC candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), and his running mate, Kudirat Abiodun Balogun, were included. The ADC candidates, Lawal Jimi Adebisi and Olutayo Florence Funlola Folake, were listed pursuant to a court order.
Other parties with candidates on the list include: Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), National Democratic Party (NDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Reason for Exclusion Unclear
The development comes amid questions about Adebutu's eligibility, following allegations by civil society groups that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC. INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna had previously stated that parties failing to comply with membership-register requirements would not be allowed to field affected candidates or substitute them.
PDP Alleges Political Interference
The Ogun State PDP has called for calm, alleging that the omission resulted from pressure mounted by the ruling APC, which it accused of being apprehensive about its chances in the election. The party insisted that Adebutu remained a bona fide member and had fulfilled all membership registration requirements within the stipulated period.
Legal Process for Resolution
Under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, parties have 14 days from the publication of the list to notify INEC in writing if a nominated candidate's name is missing. The notification must be signed by the party's national chairman and secretary and supported by an affidavit.
Sources:
· TheCable: INEC excludes Pantami, Adebutu from governorship lists
· Vanguard: Ogun 2027 - INEC excludes PDP's Adebutu
· Vanguard: Ogun PDP urges calm over Adebutu's omission
· Punch: PDP candidates Adebutu, Pantami missing from INEC final gov list
· Premium Times: INEC excludes Ogun PDP's Adebutu
· Independent Newspaper: Omission Of PDP Guber Candidate From INEC List
· Tribune Online: Ogun PDP refutes claim over eligibility of Adebutu
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politics