Adebutu Reacts to Absence from INEC Governorship List, Says PDP Will Seek Redress

Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has vowed to challenge the omission of his name from the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while assuring his supporters that there is no cause for alarm.

Adebutu made his position known in a statement published on X on Sunday, explaining that he completed his digital registration with the PDP within the required period and submitted his documents to INEC before the deadline.

He dismissed any suggestion that he was no longer a member of the party, maintaining that his allegiance to the PDP remained intact.

“My documentation was duly submitted to INEC within the prescribed time. I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.

He further explained that INEC officials observed the PDP governorship primary at which he emerged as the party’s candidate.

Adebutu added that the necessary documents were made available for verification, certification and confirmation.

The opposition candidate alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had placed undue pressure on INEC, raising concerns about why his name was excluded from the published list.

He pointed out that other PDP candidates seeking election to the state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate were listed by the electoral commission.

“The circumstances surrounding this omission raise serious questions, particularly when all the other party’s candidates across the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senatorial positions have appeared on the published lists,” he said.

Adebutu said the party would take the necessary steps through the appropriate channels to resolve the matter and ensure that due process was observed.

He also alleged that the PDP’s campaign had been subjected to various forms of obstruction, including restrictions on campaign billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of party members.

Nevertheless, he called on supporters to remain peaceful and patient, assuring them that the party was taking steps to address the omission.

“No amount of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from having a fair opportunity to choose leaders of their choice,” he said.

The PDP candidate expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved and reiterated his commitment to improving leadership and bringing relief to Ogun State residents.

“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future,” he said.

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