Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 election, has vowed not to abandon the race following the omission of his name from the list of governorship candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Adebutu, in a statement addressed to the people of Ogun State on Sunday, urged his supporters and party members to remain calm, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved through the appropriate channels.
He maintained that he remained a duly registered member of the PDP, adding that he completed his digital registration within the stipulated period and had his membership card printed and verified.
According to him, the relevant documents were submitted to INEC within the prescribed time, while the party’s governorship primary that produced him as its candidate was conducted with officials of the electoral commission in attendance as observers.
“The governorship primary that produced me as the party’s candidate was conducted with INEC officials in attendance as observers. The relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation,” he said.
The former governorship candidate expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the published list, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress had mounted undue pressure on INEC.
Adebutu noted that candidates of the PDP contesting for seats in the Ogun State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate had appeared on the published lists, raising questions about why his name was missing.
He said the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process was followed.
The PDP chieftain also recalled what he described as previous attempts to frustrate the party’s political activities in the state, including restrictions on campaign billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of members.
Despite these challenges, he said the party remained committed to peaceful political participation and would not allow intimidation to prevent the people of Ogun State from choosing their preferred leaders.
“I remain confident that it will be resolved, and I assure you that I will not abandon the struggle to bring the leadership and relief our people deserve,” Adebutu stated.
He urged party members, supporters and residents of the state to remain steadfast, adding that the struggle was about the welfare of the people and their right to determine the future of Ogun State.
Adebutu further reiterated the party’s “OGUN FOR OGUN” message, describing it as a call for leadership that would be rooted in the interests of the people and responsive to their needs.
“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future,” he said.
He concluded by assuring supporters that the party remained focused on its political objectives, declaring, “Relief is here! Itura de!”
