Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogun State's 2027 governorship race, announced on X that he is still a properly registered party member even though the [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://www.inecnigeria.org) omitted his name and that of his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi‑Kolapo, from the official candidate list for the election scheduled on 6 February 2027.
**Key facts**
- INEC released a final list containing 13 governorship candidates from various parties, but none from the PDP.
- Adebutu claims he completed his digital PDP registration within the prescribed period and that his membership card was printed and verified.
- He alleges that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) exerted “undue pressure” on INEC to exclude him.
- The exclusion is linked to INEC’s enforcement of statutory party‑membership requirements following a recent ruling by the [Supreme Court of Nigeria](https://www.supremecourt.gov.ng) upholding Sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) of the [Electoral Act 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_Act_(Nigeria)).
- Adebutu vows to resolve the issue before the February poll and urges his supporters to stay calm.
What did INEC announce?
The electoral body published its definitive list of governorship candidates for Ogun State, signing it by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran‑Anthony. The document listed candidates from thirteen parties but excluded any PDP aspirants, including Adebutu and Sowunmi‑Kolapo.
Why was the PDP excluded?
INEC has not given a detailed explanation, but observers link the decision to the commission’s commitment to enforce the membership‑register provisions of the Electoral Act. Section 77(5) requires that only individuals whose names appear on a party’s submitted register may take part in primaries or conventions. Section 77(6) mandates parties to use that same register for their primaries, while Section 77(7) disqualifies any party that fails to submit a register on time from fielding candidates.
What is Adebutu’s response?
Adebutu posted a statement asserting that his digital registration was completed on time, his membership card was verified, and his documentation was submitted to INEC within the deadline. He denied ever leaving the PDP and described his commitment to the party as “unwavering.”
He also accused the APC of applying “undue pressure” on INEC, noting that other APC candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate appeared on the list while the PDP’s gubernatorial aspirants did not. Adebutu highlighted alleged campaign obstructions, such as billboard bans, attacks on campaign venues, and harassment of party members.
Who raised concerns about his eligibility?
Two civil‑society groups – the Ogun Democratic Accountability Forum and Elections Integrity Watch – questioned Adebutu’s status on the PDP’s membership register submitted to INEC. Their concerns have added to the controversy surrounding his exclusion.
What are the next steps?
Adebutu told his supporters that the PDP leadership is taking the necessary steps to address the matter and expressed confidence that a resolution will be reached before the February election.
**Background on Adebutu**
Ladi Adebutu, aged 64, has been a PDP member since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999. He previously contested legislative seats in 2003, 2007 and 2011, and ran for governor in 2023, losing to incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun. He first entered politics in the Third Republic, winning a House of Representatives seat in 1992 under the Social Democratic Party. He later served as a commissioner in the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission (2007) and returned to the National Assembly in 2015, chairing the House Committee on Rural Development.
Adebutu’s exclusion from the 2027 governorship ballot has sparked debate over party registration compliance and the influence of political pressure on electoral processes in Nigeria.