The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has questioned his exclusion and that of his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, from the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying the circumstances surrounding the development raise “serious questions.”
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Adebutu, in a statement on Sunday, said candidates presented by the PDP for the Ogun State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate appeared on the lists published by INEC, while only the party’s governorship ticket was omitted.
He said the development would be challenged through the appropriate channels, insisting that the electoral process must be conducted in accordance with due process.
“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” Adebutu said.
INEC’s final list for the Ogun governorship election contained 13 candidates and their running mates, but the names of Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo were absent.
The list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, included the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his running mate, Kudirat Abiodun Balogun.
Reacting to his omission, Adebutu maintained that he remained a duly registered member of the PDP and had completed the party’s digital membership registration within the stipulated period.
According to him, his membership card had been printed and verified, while all documentation relating to his candidature was submitted to INEC within the prescribed time.
“My documentation was duly submitted to INEC within the prescribed time. I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.
Adebutu further stated that the governorship primary which produced him as the PDP candidate was conducted with INEC officials present as observers.
He said the relevant documents were subsequently presented for verification, certification and confirmation, arguing that those circumstances should be taken into consideration in resolving the matter.
“The relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation. These are important facts that must not be overlooked in the present circumstances,” he said.
Adebutu said his concern was heightened by the fact that other candidates of the PDP in Ogun State were included in the relevant INEC lists.
“The circumstances surrounding this omission raise serious questions, particularly when all the other party’s candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial positions have appeared on the published lists,” he said.
The PDP chieftain also linked the latest development to what he described as previous efforts to frustrate his party’s campaign in the state.
According to him, the party had previously experienced restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and alleged harassment of members.
He, however, urged PDP members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, assuring them that necessary steps were already being taken to address the omission.
Adebutu said the issue went beyond his personal political ambition and concerned what he described as the right of Ogun residents to determine their political future.
“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.
“‘OGUN FOR OGUN’ is more than a slogan. It is a call for leadership rooted in our people, responsive to our needs and committed to our welfare. No distraction will make us abandon that commitment.
“We remain focused. We remain resolute. The journey to a better Ogun continues,” he said.
INEC’s published final list did not state the reason for the omission of Adebutu and his running mate.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
