Ogun 2027: Court orders INEC to reinstate Adebutu as PDP candidate

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has welcomed a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore his name to the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election.

Adebutu described the ruling as a victory for justice, declaring, “Justice has prevailed! Relief is here!”

The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja, ordered INEC to reinstate Adebutu as the PDP candidate and publish his name within 24 hours.

The court held that the electoral commission lacked the authority to unilaterally remove a candidate validly nominated by a political party without a court order. It also ruled that INEC’s action violated Adebutu’s right to fair hearing.

Adebutu maintained that his membership of the PDP and the process through which he emerged as the party’s candidate were valid, despite INEC’s decision to exclude him from its final list.

He expressed confidence in the judicial process and thanked the PDP leadership, particularly Nyesom Wike and National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, for their support throughout the legal battle.

The former House of Representatives member also appreciated the Ogun State PDP leadership, party members and supporters for standing by him during the controversy.

INEC had earlier removed Adebutu’s name from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, arguing that his name could not be found in the membership register submitted by the party.