RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has announced plans to challenge the omission of his name from the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Adebutu, in a statement issued on Sunday through his X account, maintained that he fulfilled the requirements for his nomination and submitted the necessary documents within the stipulated deadline.
He insisted that he remained a registered member of the PDP and had neither resigned from nor defected from the party.
According to him, the governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers.
Adebutu said the relevant nomination documents were subsequently forwarded to the electoral commission for verification and confirmation.
The former lawmaker questioned his exclusion from the published list, particularly as he claimed that PDP candidates contesting other elective positions in Ogun State had been included.
He alleged that political interference might have contributed to the omission, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exerting pressure on the electoral commission.
The allegation has not been independently established, and the statement did not provide evidence demonstrating that the APC influenced INEC’s decision.
Adebutu said the PDP would pursue available legal and administrative procedures to establish why his name was excluded and seek appropriate redress.
He also alleged that the party had experienced difficulties conducting its political activities in the state, citing restrictions on campaign billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of supporters.
These allegations remain claims by the PDP candidate.
Despite the controversy, Adebutu appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm while efforts continued to address the matter.
He maintained that the dispute should be resolved through due process, stressing the importance of allowing eligible candidates to participate in elections in accordance with the law.
Adebutu expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved and reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and his governorship ambition.
The controversy raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his omission and whether the electoral commission will provide further clarification.
As of the statement, no judicial determination resolving the dispute had been reported, while Adebutu had indicated his intention to challenge the exclusion through the appropriate channels.
