Ogun PDP Candidate Ladi Adebutu Excluded from INEC’s Final Governorship List
INEC released its final list for Ogun State’s 2027 governorship election on 6 February 2027, omitting PDP candidate Ladi Adebutu and running mate Yemi Sowunmi‑Kolapo.
In Brief
- •INEC released its final list for Ogun State’s 2027 governorship election on 6 February 2027, omitting PDP candidate Ladi Adebutu and running mate Yemi Sowunmi‑Kolapo.
- •Adebutu maintains he is a duly registered PDP member, having completed digital registration within the prescribed period and submitted all required documentation to INEC.
- •The exclusion is tied to INEC’s enforcement of statutory membership rules following a 2026 Supreme Court ruling that upheld Sections 77(5)‑(7) of the Electoral Act 2026.
- •INEC has not disclosed specific reasons for the PDP’s omission, while the PDP alleges undue pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress on INEC.
Why It Matters
The exclusion of a major party’s gubernatorial candidate raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in Ogun State. It could influence voter confidence, alter the competitive landscape, and potentially trigger legal challenges that may delay or reshape the 2027 election timetable.
Key Details
- Election Date
- 6 February 2027
- Candidate Excluded
- Ladi Adebutu (PDP)
- Running Mate Excluded
- Yemi Sowunmi‑Kolapo
- INEC Final List Count
- 13 candidates
- Supreme Court Judgment
- 2026 judgment affirmed constitutionality of Sections 77(5)‑(7)
Context & Background
The Supreme Court’s 2026 ruling affirmed the constitutionality of Sections 77(5)‑(7) of the Electoral Act, which mandate that only members listed in a party’s register submitted to INEC may participate in primaries and field candidates. INEC’s enforcement of these provisions has led to the exclusion of PDP candidates from Ogun State’s final governorship list.
Original Reporting & Sources
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