Ogun PDP urges calm over Adebutu’s omission from INEC list
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is urging its members and supporters to remain calm following the omission of its governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, from a list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party expressed confidence that the issue will be addressed before the upcoming 2027 governorship election.
The PDP alleges that this oversight is a result of pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which it claims is concerned about the PDP’s competitiveness in the election.
In a statement released by Publicity Secretary Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the party insisted that Adebutu is a legitimate member who has met all necessary registration requirements. Adebayo noted that Adebutu participated in the party’s digital membership registration process, and his membership card was printed and verified prior to being submitted to INEC within the specified timeframe.
“The PDP states emphatically that our candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has never left the Peoples Democratic Party. He duly registered as a member of the party during the designated digital registration exercise, and his membership was confirmed by the appropriate submissions to INEC,” the statement read.
The party attributes the exclusion of Adebutu’s name to alleged political interference, claiming that the APC is attempting to undermine the PDP’s chances in the upcoming election.
“The omission of our candidate’s name from INEC’s list stems from undue pressure placed on the commission by the ruling party, motivated by its fear of losing the upcoming election to our party,” Adebayo stated.
Despite this setback, the PDP remains optimistic that Adebutu’s name will ultimately appear on the candidates’ list, reiterating its commitment to participate in the 2027 governorship election.
The party urged the people of Ogun State to remain focused and not be distracted by the situation. It emphasized the importance of continuing to mobilize support ahead of the election.
“While we encourage the residents of Ogun State not to be disheartened or distracted from our collective aim to remove the APC from power, we are resolute and confident that our candidate is on a path to a decisive victory in 2027,” the statement asserted.
The PDP also stressed that this development will not diminish the people’s determination to pursue better governance and positive change in Ogun State.
“No amount of manipulation, political intimidation, or calculated distractions can alter the mandate of the people, who are eager for true leadership and meaningful change,” the party remarked.
In closing, the PDP reiterated its call for calm, encouraging its members, supporters, and stakeholders to remain steadfast and undeterred as they intensify their political activities leading up to the election.
“Once again, we urge all supporters, party members, and the general public to stay vigilant and unwavered as we continue our unyielding movement to improve governance in Ogun State,” the statement concluded.
