The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has taken its battle for the inclusion of governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu on the 2027 election ballot to court, following his omission from the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The development has thrown the party into a fresh political storm, with its leadership insisting that Adebutu’s ambition is far from over despite the electoral commission’s decision.
The Ogun PDP said it was already in court and awaiting the commencement of proceedings, expressing confidence that the legal process would eventually clear the way for its candidate.
Legal Battle Begins This Week
Speaking with The Nation in Abeokuta, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, said the party would commence its court action this week.
Although he declined to disclose specific details of the case, Adebayo confirmed that the legal battle was imminent.
“I don’t have the details; I don’t want to mislead the public. But I know definitely that we are going to court this week,” he said.
He added that the hearing was expected to begin within the week, although the exact date had yet to be confirmed.
“The hearing will start, the case will begin this week. But I don’t have the actual date, so I don’t want to be misquoted,” Adebayo stated.
‘Adebutu Will Be on the Ballot’
Amid growing uncertainty over Adebutu’s political future, the party urged its supporters not to lose hope, maintaining that the former governorship candidate would participate in the 2027 general election.
Adebayo appealed for calm, assuring party members that the PDP remained committed to pursuing justice through the courts.
“If democracy is at play, we believe the court is the last hope of the people. We believe in the court process and we hope at the end of the day, the case will be heard and fairly judged,” he said.
INEC Decision Sparks Political Uncertainty
Adebutu’s name was among the contentious candidacies affected by INEC’s rejection of 64 petitions last Thursday.
The fate of Aminu Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kano State, also remains uncertain.
However, Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, was cleared for the 2027 election.
For Ogun PDP, the courtroom has now become the decisive battleground in its determination to secure Adebutu’s place on the ballot.
