By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has omitted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate from the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
Politics Nigeria reports that INEC published a list featuring candidates from 13 political parties contesting the Ogun State governorship election, but the names of Adebutu and his deputy were missing from the document.
The commission has yet to publicly clarify the reasons for the omission as of the time the report was filed, leaving questions about the status of the PDP ticket ahead of the election.
The final list, signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, includes candidates from 13 political parties. It also features the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Lawal Jimi Adebisi, and his running mate, Olutayo Florence Funlola Folake, whose inclusion was reportedly pursuant to a court order.
Other candidates on the list include Adeola Solomon Olamilekan of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babajide Rotimi Mathew of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Awofala Awoniyi of the Action Alliance (AA), Anifowose Johncrownfit Kayode of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Layi Labode Halima of the Action Peoples Party (APP).
The list also contains candidates from the Boot Party (BP), National Democratic Party (NDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and other participating parties.
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The omission comes amid preparations by political parties for the February 6, 2027 governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. Under Section 32 of the Electoral Act 2026, political parties have a prescribed procedure for notifying INEC when the name of a nominated candidate is missing from the published list.
The law provides that a party seeking to address such an omission must submit written notification, signed by its national chairman and secretary and supported by an affidavit, within the stipulated 14-day period.
The Merit Newspaper reports that before the publication of the final list, Adebutu had continued his political engagements across Ogun State. On Tuesday, he visited the Oloje traditionalist community in Abeokuta, where he sought the prayers and support of traditionalists and elders in Egbaland.
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During the visit, the PDP candidate reportedly pledged that an administration under his leadership would prioritise accountability, peaceful coexistence and prudent management of public resources. He also promised to promote grassroots development and ensure that local governments received their allocated funds to support effective administration and rural development.
Adebutu, who described himself as a devoted Christian, said his religious beliefs did not prevent him from acknowledging the contributions of traditional institutions and practitioners to peace, unity and social harmony.
Also speaking at the gathering, the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Toyin Amuzu, urged residents to support the party at all levels. He cited the provision of a transformer to the community as an intervention facilitated by PDP members and criticised what he described as inadequate attention to electricity challenges in parts of Abeokuta.
Amuzu further advised voters against accepting money from politicians during elections, arguing that such payments could leave them facing hardship for another four years.
With Adebutu and his running mate absent from the published list, attention is expected to focus on the PDP’s response and any clarification from INEC regarding the development. However, the omission alone does not establish the reasons for their absence or whether any further legal or administrative steps may follow.
