Ogun 2027: INEC omission of my name temporary distraction – Adebutu

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has described the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, INEC, final list as a temporary distraction, saying it will not stop his political activities.

Recall that the electoral umpire had omitted Adebutu from the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election in Ogun State.

The lists, signed by INEC secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on the commission’s website contained 13 candidates for the Ogun election, with no candidate representing the PDP.

Adebutu’s omission comes amid questions over his membership of the party, following allegations that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC.

The PDP chieftain, while reacting to reports over his membership status, insisted that he remains a committed member of the PDP.

He spoke on Monday while receiving defectors from the APC, noting that he has been a candidate of the party for over 20 years without leaving the party for a day, challenging anyone with proof that he ever visited another party office.

“I have been a candidate of PDP five consecutive times. For the last 20 years, every election cycle, I have been a candidate of PDP. At what stage did I leave the party? Where is the proof that for one day, I even visited APC office?” he queried.

Adebutu said he was actively involved in organising and financing the recent registration exercise in the state, which recorded about 19,800 members, adding that his registration number is 1536.

“For somebody that registered 20,000, whose number is 1536? So I don’t know the magic. The story is up to Nigerians to decide,” he said.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State of attempting to stifle opposition and shrink democratic space.

“Should it be a party’s policy to hold down other parties? If you mean well and you have done well for your people, you should be able to place your scorecard on the table. You don’t disqualify opponents,” he said.

He also stated that his supporters were being harassed and denied space to erect billboards in the state, saying billboards belonging to the opposition were torn or destroyed.

Despite the omission, Adebutu said he would not be distracted, noting that he has already visited 12 of the 20 local government areas and 140 of the 236 wards in his ongoing consultations.

“There is justice in Nigeria. I was duly registered. I orchestrated registration in this state. The precondition for holding primaries is that you must be attested to be a party member,” he said.

“This is just to slow down the process and make the people disenfranchised and disenchanted. But never mind, it will end and it will even be a blessing to us. We will not be distracted. We keep our eyes on the ball and we shall win,” he added.