The **[All Progressives Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Progressives_Congress) (APC)** in Ogun State has publicly urged the **[Peoples Democratic Party](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_Democratic_Party_(Nigeria)) (PDP)** and its gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, to acknowledge their own shortcomings and cease the blame‑shifting narrative after the **[Independent National Electoral Commission](https://www.inecnigeria.org/)** released its final list of governorship candidates on Saturday, which did not feature Adebutu.
A statement signed by Chief Kayode Odunaro, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Ogun State APC Campaign Council, was handed to journalists in Abeokuta on Sunday. The document demanded that the PDP stop attributing the omission to external pressure and instead respect the electoral process.
The PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kayode Adebayo, had earlier alleged that the APC’s influence over INEC was the reason Adebutu was left off the ballot. He claimed the ruling party was using its clout to manipulate the list in its favour.
**What did the APC say?**
Odunaro countered that the PDP should give INEC leeway to conduct a credible election in line with the nation’s Electoral Law. He emphasized that all parties, including the APC, are competing under INEC’s supervision and that blaming the commission for a procedural lapse is unfounded.
He added that similar exclusions have occurred in other states where candidates failed to comply with the stipulated legal requirements, indicating that the issue was not unique to Ogun’s PDP faction.
**Why the blame game is misplaced**
According to Odunaro, “The APC and its candidates are contestants alongside other parties in the race to 2027, with INEC acting as the umpire. It is unreasonable to suggest that the PDP’s failure to follow simple administrative procedures is the result of APC pressure on INEC.” He also warned that persisting in this narrative distracts from the real task of campaigning.
The APC reiterated its readiness to contest the election with its flag‑bearer, Senator **[Solomon Adeola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Adeola)**, and any other INEC‑certified candidate. However, the party cautioned that focusing on a candidate who has not been listed would be a waste of resources.
**What is the APC’s campaign platform?**
Odunaro highlighted the party’s 9‑Point ITESIWAJU Manifesto, stating that the APC’s campaign is built on proven performance, capacity, equity, and justice. He likened a party that fields an ineligible candidate to a football team that scores an own goal, ultimately losing the match.
In summary, the Ogun APC has called for the PDP to respect the electoral process, stop blaming the commission, and concentrate on meeting the legal requirements for candidacy.