The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has alleged that pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is responsible for the omission of its governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, from the list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party, however, expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would eventually be published by the electoral commission, insisting that the development would not derail its ambition to win the 2027 governorship election in the state.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the PDP urged Ogun State residents, party members and supporters to remain calm, describing the omission as an attempt to distract the party from its preparations for the forthcoming election.
The party alleged that the APC was mounting undue pressure on INEC because it feared losing the governorship election to the PDP.
The PDP maintained that Adebutu remained a bona fide member of the party and had complied with the prescribed membership registration requirements within the designated period.
According to the statement, Adebayo said the candidate had registered digitally and had his party membership card printed, verified and submitted to INEC within the stipulated timeframe.
The party also dismissed suggestions that Adebutu had left the PDP, insisting that he had remained a member of the party.
“We state emphatically that our candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, who has never left the Peoples’ Democratic Party at any time, duly registered as a member of the party within the designated period of the digital registration, with his party membership card printed, verified and submitted to INEC at the stipulated time,” the statement said.
Despite the development, the opposition party urged its supporters not to be distracted from its objective of defeating the APC at the polls.
It expressed optimism that Adebutu would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election, arguing that no alleged political manoeuvring would alter Ogun residents’ desire for what it described as true leadership and positive change.
The PDP further called on its members and supporters to remain steadfast, vigilant and undeterred, saying its campaign to rescue the state and bring relief to the people would continue to gather momentum.
The party’s position comes amid political preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the emergence and recognition of candidates expected to remain key issues for political parties and electoral stakeholders.