The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has firmly rejected allegations questioning the eligibility of its 2027 governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, calling the claims a politically motivated fabrication aimed at undermining the party’s campaign. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the state’s Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, the PDP reaffirmed Adebutu’s status as a fully registered, financially active, and undisputed leader within the party structure. The party emphasized that all legal and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act were strictly adhered to, including the timely submission of its official membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The controversy arose after the Ogun Democratic Accountability Forum (ODAF) claimed Adebutu’s name was absent from the party’s membership register, thereby casting doubt on his qualification to contest the upcoming election. However, Adebayo dismissed the claim as baseless, asserting that the PDP complied with all electoral guidelines and deadlines set by INEC. He further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its affiliated groups of orchestrating the smear campaign to create confusion and divert attention from their own political challenges ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the PDP, the disqualification narrative is not only unfounded but also serves a broader agenda — to distract from unresolved questions about Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. The party highlighted that despite representing Lagos State for decades, Adeola’s recent shift of political base to Ogun State raises legitimate concerns about his indigene status, which the APC is attempting to suppress. The PDP also pointed out alleged misappropriation of federal constituency projects meant for other states, which have been redirected into Ogun to falsely inflate the APC’s development record.
The party dismissed ODAF’s legal arguments based on Supreme Court rulings and nomination fee payments, insisting that true eligibility is determined by constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, not by statements from politically aligned groups. It urged INEC to remain impartial and resist undue pressure from political proxies. The PDP reiterated its confidence in Adebutu’s candidacy, assuring members and supporters that his nomination remains valid and he is fully eligible to run for governor in 2027.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the PDP’s response underscores the growing intensity of political maneuvering in Ogun State, where credibility and legal compliance are becoming central themes in the campaign discourse.
Leave a Comment