Adebutu Dismisses INEC List Omission, Insists On Ogun Governorship Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has dismissed the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of governorship candidates as a temporary distraction, insisting that it will not prevent him from contesting the 2027 election.

Adebutu spoke on Monday while receiving more than 1,000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the PDP at the party’s state secretariat in Abeokuta.

The defectors were led by former House of Representatives member, Segun William, and received by Adebutu alongside other party leaders, including the PDP’s Ogun Central senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo.

Addressing the gathering, Adebutu expressed confidence that the controversy surrounding his omission from INEC’s list would be resolved, maintaining that he remained a bona fide member of the PDP.

He cited his participation in elections under the party’s platform over the past two decades as evidence of his loyalty and challenged those questioning his membership to produce evidence that he had defected.

“I have been the candidate of the PDP for the last 20 years, in every election cycle. My question is: at what stage did I leave or vacate the party? Where is the proof that, for one day, I have even visited the APC office, let alone joined the party?” he asked.

Adebutu also claimed to have played an active role in organising and financing the party’s recent membership registration exercise in Ogun State, which he said recorded more than 19,800 members.

He disclosed that his registration number in the exercise was 1536, describing it as further proof of his continued membership of the party.

The PDP chieftain alleged that his omission from the INEC list was intended to distract the opposition and disenfranchise voters. He, however, urged party members to remain focused and continue their mobilisation efforts across the state.

Adebutu said the party’s campaign team had visited 12 of Ogun State’s 20 local government areas and more than 140 of its 236 wards.

“We have visited 12 of the 20 local governments. Of the 236 wards, we have visited over 140. Tomorrow, we continue again because we know that the trick is to get us distracted. We will not be distracted. We will keep our eyes on the ball, and we shall win,” he said.

Earlier, William said the defectors left the APC because of dissatisfaction with its approach to governance, alleging that the ruling party had failed to uphold democratic principles and deliver development in Ogun State.

William, who said he joined partisan politics in 2007 and later aligned with the APC, explained that his experience in the party had convinced him that it no longer represented the democratic ideals and developmental aspirations he believed in.

He said the defectors joined the PDP to contribute to the political and socio-economic development of Ogun State, expressing confidence in the party’s leadership.

William also accused the APC of being unable to accommodate the democratic aspirations of its members and residents of the state.

“We are seeking the progress of our dear Ogun State. My sincere appreciation goes first and foremost to our incoming governor, who has made this occasion possible, with the assistance of our deputy governor, our senator, the directors-general, party members, the party hierarchy and the state chairman,” he said.

The defection comes as political parties intensify mobilisation and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.