The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ifo Constituency I seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebari Adekunle, has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, from the published candidates list.
Speaking at a political stakeholders’ forum and media briefing on Tuesday morning, October 13, 2026, at the party’s constituency headquarters in Ifo, Adekunle cautioned that deliberate or careless actions by the electoral body could heighten political tension and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The controversy arose following INEC’s publication of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election in Ogun State. While the list included candidates from 13 political parties, Adebutu and his running mate, Abdulkadir Akinlade, were missing from the publication.
Addressing journalists and supporters, Adekunle expressed shock at the development, describing it as an attempt to disenfranchise thousands of Ogun State residents.
“Ogun State must not become a battleground for desperate political interests ahead of the 2027 elections,” Adekunle stated. “A situation where opposition politicians were already celebrating that they would remove names from the INEC list even before it actually happened was a reckless one. We urge the commission to act transparently, rectify this error immediately, and avoid setting the state on fire.”
Adekunle highlighted growing anger among party loyalists and voters across the state, noting that while many residents threatened to stage public protests, party leaders and community elders were actively appealing for calm to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Referring to recent statements from the Presidency expressing displeasure over political desperation that threatens democratic stability, Adekunle remarked that such comments serve as a serious indictment on INEC’s process and raise legitimate concerns regarding its independence.
“Ogun State deserves a peaceful political atmosphere where qualified candidates can compete fairly and the electorate can freely determine who leads them,” Adekunle added, urging all electoral officials to place democratic integrity above partisan pressure.
Also speaking at the briefing, the PDP Ogun Central Senatorial Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Ishola, reassured party members that the PDP had complied with all legal and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act. Ishola clarified that Adebutu remains a duly registered member who emerged through a monitored, transparent primary election.
Ishola confirmed that the party’s legal team and national leadership had already engaged INEC administrative machinery to ensure the omission is promptly rectified before the final publication deadline. He urged supporters across Ifo Constituency I and Ogun State at large to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on the upcoming campaign season.
