‘I Will Be on the Ballot Come February,’ Adebutu Assures Supporters

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has assured his supporters that he will be on the ballot in the February 2027 governorship election despite the omission of his name from the list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adebutu gave the assurance in a message addressed to the people of Ogun State, following concerns over his absence from the commission’s published list of governorship candidates.

He maintained that he remained a registered member of the PDP and had completed the party’s digital registration within the stipulated period. He also said his membership card had been printed and verified, while the required documents were submitted to INEC on time.

The PDP candidate further stated that the party’s governorship primary that produced him was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers. He said the relevant documents were also presented for verification and confirmation.

Adebutu questioned the circumstances surrounding the omission, noting that other PDP candidates contesting for seats in the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate had appeared on INEC’s published lists.

He echoed the Ogun State PDP’s allegation that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had exerted undue pressure on the electoral commission. However, no evidence was provided in his statement to substantiate the allegation.

The former governorship candidate also alleged that the PDP had faced other challenges during its political activities in the state, including restrictions on campaign billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of party members.

Despite these concerns, Adebutu urged his supporters to remain calm, saying the party was taking the necessary steps through appropriate channels to resolve the matter.

He said the struggle was about more than his personal ambition, describing it as a fight for the people of Ogun State to choose their preferred leaders and secure what he called the leadership and relief they deserved.

“OGUN FOR OGUN,” he declared, reiterating his commitment to a government that would prioritise the needs and welfare of residents.

Adebutu ended his message by expressing confidence that the issue would be resolved and urging supporters to remain focused on the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 election.

INEC’s response to the concerns raised by Adebutu was not included in his statement.