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

The opposition party, however, expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would be published by INEC and that he would emerge as governor in the 2027 election.

In a statement reacting to the omission, the PDP alleged that the development reflected the ruling party’s fear of losing the governorship election. It urged its supporters and residents of the state to remain calm while the matter was addressed.

The party maintained that Adebutu remained a bona fide member of the PDP and had not left the party at any time.

According to the statement, Adebutu completed his digital membership registration within the stipulated period. It added that his party membership card had been printed and verified, and that the required documentation was submitted to INEC within the prescribed deadline.

The PDP argued that these steps entitled its candidate to be included on the commission’s list, insisting that his omission would not derail its preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
It also urged its members and supporters not to be distracted by the development, calling on them to remain focused on its campaign to unseat the APC in Ogun State.

“No amount of desperate manipulation, political witch-hunts, or calculated distractions can alter the mandate of the people of Ogun State who are overwhelmingly eager for true leadership and positive change,” the party said.

The PDP further called on its supporters and party faithful to remain steadfast and vigilant, expressing confidence that its campaign would continue to gain momentum ahead of the election.

The party framed the dispute as an attempt to frustrate its electoral ambitions, but it did not provide evidence in the statement to substantiate its allegation that the APC pressured INEC to omit Adebutu’s name.

INEC’s position on the omission was not contained in the statement. The commission’s explanation, as well as any response from the APC, would be necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the candidate’s absence from the list.

The dispute comes amid political preparations for the 2027 Ogun governorship election, with the PDP insisting that Adebutu remains its candidate and vowing to pursue the matter.