The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained to the Federal High Court in Abuja why it excluded Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, from its published roster of candidates cleared for the 2027 general elections.
In a counter-affidavit deposed to by Mr. Mustapha Mohammed, a Chief Program Analyst in INEC’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, the electoral body informed the court that Adebutu’s name was completely missing from the official membership register submitted by the PDP.
Filed in opposition to suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2573/2026, instituted jointly by the PDP as the first plaintiff and Adebutu as the second plaintiff against INEC as the sole defendant, the commission revealed that a thorough verification of the party’s submitted documents yielded only the name of the PDP deputy governorship candidate for Ogun State, Kolapo Lateefat Oyeyemi, leaving the primary candidate’s slot unverified.
The commission grounded its stance on the statutory framework of the Electoral Act, specifically citing Sections 77(5) and 77(7). Under these provisions, candidate eligibility is strictly contingent upon inclusion in the formal membership register delivered to INEC within the legally mandated window.
The commission emphasized that failure to submit a complete register within the prescribed period forfeits a political party’s legal right to field candidates for the affected positions.
This legal confrontation follows a series of administrative actions that began on October 10, 2026, when INEC published its initial list of cleared candidates signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, notably omitting Adebutu and his running mate.
Although Adebutu subsequently submitted an administrative petition requesting the restoration of his name to the ballot, INEC formally rejected the appeal on October 29, 2026, alongside petitions from 63 other candidates, thereby prompting the PDP to seek judicial redress.
Both the candidate and the state party leadership have strongly countered INEC’s assertions.
Adebutu maintained that he remains a fully registered PDP member who completed all statutory requirements within the stipulated period, rejecting the commission’s finding of non-compliance. Speaking on behalf of the state chapter from Abeokuta, Ogun State PDP Publicity Secretary Arch.
Kayode Adebayo expressed confidence that the judicial system would rectify the exclusion. Adebayo affirmed the party’s trust in the judiciary, stating that if democracy is at play, the court remains the last hope of the people to ensure a fair adjudication of the matter.
