Adebutu vows to challenge omission from INEC governorship list
The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, has vowed to challenge the omission of his name from the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), assuring supporters that there is no cause for alarm.
Adebutu, in a statement posted on X on Sunday, said he completed his digital party registration within the stipulated period and submitted the required documents to INEC before the deadline. He maintained that he remained a duly registered PDP member and had not left the party.
“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 added that the PDP governorship primary that produced him as its candidate was conducted in the presence of INEC officials, who attended as observers, while the relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation.
Adebutu expressed concern over his omission, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had mounted undue pressure on INEC. He said the omission raised questions, particularly as the names of other PDP candidates contesting legislative seats in the state appeared on the commission’s published lists.
He said the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels to ensure due process, while alleging that the PDP had faced attempts to frustrate its campaign, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of members.
Despite the alleged challenges, Adebutu urged party members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that no form of intimidation should prevent Ogun residents from freely choosing their leaders.
“No amount of intimidation should prevent the people of Ogun State from having a fair opportunity to choose leaders of their choice,” he said, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved.
