The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State is facing renewed scrutiny over its preparations for the 2027 governorship election following the omission of its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list.
The development has also fuelled political exchanges involving the PDP and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate.
In a statement signed by its state publicity secretary, Kayode Adebayo, the Ogun PDP reportedly questioned an online publication’s claim that Adeola described INEC as his puppet.
The alleged remark, reportedly attributed to the senator through an unnamed source, has not been independently established. The PDP called on Adeola to clarify the claim, while raising concerns about the independence of the electoral commission.
Why Adebutu is missing from INEC’s list
The controversy comes after INEC excluded Adebutu and his running mate from the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 Ogun governorship election.
The commission later explained that the omission followed the PDP’s failure to meet the membership-register requirements under Sections 77(5) to 77(7) of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC said the requirements became applicable following a Supreme Court judgment that upheld the relevant provisions of the law.
The PDP, however, has disputed concerns about Adebutu’s membership status and maintained that he is a registered party member.
The commission’s decision has therefore become a major issue for the party as it prepares for the election.
Political dispute extends to Adeola’s record in Ogun West
In his commentary on the controversy, political and crisis communication strategist Segun Olatunji criticised the PDP’s response, arguing that the party should concentrate on resolving the issues surrounding its candidate’s omission.
Olatunji also highlighted projects and empowerment initiatives he attributed to Adeola in Ogun West.
These include road construction, financial support for entrepreneurs, distribution of transformers and educational assistance for students. He also cited the provision of laptops and science equipment to public schools.
The commentary presented these interventions as evidence of Adeola’s activities in the district. However, the claims about the projects and their impact were not independently established in the article.
Olatunji further argued that the PDP’s criticism of Adeola had diverted attention from the challenge facing its governorship ticket.
Adebutu rejects omission as a setback
Adebutu has maintained that his omission from INEC’s list will not stop his political activities. During an engagement with supporters in Abeokuta on November 2, he described the development as a temporary setback and insisted that he remained a registered PDP member.
He also said the party had continued its mobilisation across local government areas and wards in the state.
The dispute now places attention on the legal and administrative steps available to the PDP as it seeks to resolve the status of its governorship ticket.
With the 2027 election approaching, the party’s ability to address the matter remains a central issue in its preparations, while allegations involving INEC and political actors continue to generate debate in Ogun State.