INEC Leaves Out PDP’s Adebutu and Running Mate from Ogun Governorship Candidates List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ogun State governorship election, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate in its final list of candidates. This list was released on Saturday for the election scheduled for February 6, 2027.

INEC published the names of 13 candidates from various political parties, but Adebutu and his deputy were missing. The reason for their exclusion is unclear at this time.

Among those included in the list is Lawal Jimi Adebisi from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his running mate, Olutayo Florence Funlola Folake, who were added following a court order. Other candidates on the list represent parties such as the Accord Party, Action Alliance, All Progressives Congress, and several others.

This omission comes as political parties gear up for the upcoming elections. According to the Electoral Act, INEC must publish the names of nominated candidates at least 60 days before an election. If a party finds that its candidate is missing from the list, they can notify INEC in writing within 14 days.

INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan previously mentioned that 21 of Nigeria’s 22 registered political parties have nominated a total of 936 candidates for governorship and deputy governorship positions across 28 states for the 2027 elections.

With Adebutu’s exclusion, there are concerns about the PDP’s role in the Ogun governorship race. The party has a formal process to address this issue with INEC, which may provide a way to resolve the situation.