The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has omitted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election.
A final list released and signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains 13 governorship candidates cleared to contest the election, but neither Adebutu nor the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate was included.
INEC did not immediately state the reason for the exclusion as of the time of filing this report.
The development is significant for the PDP as political parties intensify preparations for the Ogun governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Among those included in the final list is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Lawal Jimi Adebisi, whose candidacy, alongside that of his running mate, Olutayo Florence Funlola Folake, was included following a court order.
Others are Okewole Shuaib Olaniyi of Party A; Awofala Awolola Awoniyi of the Action Alliance (AA); Anifowose Johncrownfit Kayode of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); and Adeola Solomon Olamilekan of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The commission also listed Babajide Rotimi Mathew of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Layi Labode Halima of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Adenuga Adekunle Dreher of the Boot Party (BP), Dasaolu Oluwaseyi Olamilekan of the National Democratic Party (NDP), and Akinbola Hammed Rotham of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The remaining candidates are Fayoyin Olujobi Ezekiel of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Ola Willams Adeyinka Penuel of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Johnson Cyrus Oluwaseun of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Adebutu’s omission leaves questions over the PDP’s participation in the Ogun governorship contest, particularly given his prominence in the state’s political landscape.
INEC’s publication of the final list is part of the electoral process leading to the February 6, 2027, polls, with parties expected to continue preparations for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
