THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has questioned the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the development raises “serious questions”.
News Point Nigeria reports that Adebutu, in a statement issued on Sunday morning, said all other PDP candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial positions appeared on the published lists, while his name and that of his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, were missing.
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“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” Adebutu declared.
Daily Trust had reported that Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo were excluded from the final list released by INEC on Saturday.
A check of the commission’s portal showed that the final list contained the names of 13 governorship candidates and their running mates in Ogun State, with the PDP candidates conspicuously absent.
The list was signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
However, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his running mate, Kudirat Abiodun Balogun, were included in the published list.
Reacting to the development, Adebutu faulted what he described as the “omission” of his name, insisting that he remained a duly registered member of the PDP and had complied with the party membership registration requirements within the stipulated period.
According to him, he completed the digital registration process on time, while his membership card was printed and verified.
“My documentation was duly submitted to INEC within the prescribed time. I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering,” he said.
Adebutu also explained that INEC officials were present as observers during the governorship primary that produced him as the PDP candidate.
He said the relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation, describing these as important facts that should not be overlooked in the circumstances surrounding his exclusion.
“The relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation. These are important facts that must not be overlooked in the present circumstances,” he said.
Expressing concern over the omission, the PDP chieftain reiterated that all other candidates of the party contesting for legislative positions had appeared on the published lists, while he and his running mate were excluded.
“ The circumstances surrounding this omission raise serious questions, particularly when all the other party’s candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial positions have appeared on the published lists,” he said.
Adebutu further maintained that the development was “not an isolated experience in our journey”, alleging that the party had faced several challenges in its campaign activities.
“Our party has faced attempts to frustrate our campaign, including restrictions on our billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of our members,” he said.
While urging PDP members, supporters and the people of Ogun State to remain calm and steadfast, Adebutu said the party was taking the necessary steps to address the matter through the appropriate channels.
He insisted that the party’s political ambition was about more than the interests of any individual, arguing that it concerned the dignity of the people, the development of the state and the right of Ogun residents to determine their future.
“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the campaign, Adebutu said the slogan “OGUN FOR OGUN” represented a call for leadership rooted in the needs and welfare of the people.
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“‘OGUN FOR OGUN’ is more than a slogan. It is a call for leadership rooted in our people, responsive to our needs and committed to our welfare. No distraction will make us abandon that commitment,” he said.
He urged supporters to remain focused despite the development, adding: “We remain focused. We remain resolute. The journey to a better Ogun continues.”
