The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 election has thanked Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other party leaders after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the rightful candidate.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu directed INEC to publish Adebutu’s name as the party’s duly nominated candidate within 24 hours.
The court ruled that INEC had no constitutional authority to remove a candidate validly nominated by a political party without obtaining a court order. It described the commission’s action as unlawful and unconstitutional.
Adebutu’s name and that of his running mate, Alhaja Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, were missing from the list of candidates published on INEC’s website in October. The politician subsequently challenged the decision, but the commission rejected his petition on October 29, 2026.
In his ruling, Lifu held that INEC violated Adebutu’s right to a fair hearing by removing his name without giving him an opportunity to explain his position.
The judge stressed that no person’s rights could be withdrawn without first allowing them to be heard.
In a post on his X account, Adebutu thanked Wike and Abdulrahman Mohammed, National Chairman of the party, for their support.
JUSTICE HAS PREVAILED!
RELIEF IS HERE!
My dear Compatriots,
Today, the judiciary has reaffirmed the confidence reposed in it.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore my name to the list of candidates for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election within 24 hours.
This development is a significant affirmation of the rule of law, due process and the democratic principles upon which our nation stands.
From the moment my name was omitted from INEC’s published list, I maintained that the facts surrounding my PDP membership, registration and the process that produced me as the party’s governorship candidate were clear. As a party, we remained confident in our position and pursued the matter through the appropriate legal channels. Today’s ruling represents an important step towards resolving the issue.
I express my sincere appreciation to the National Leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike, the National Leader of our party and Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the National Chairman of our party for their leadership, support and confidence throughout this period. I am equally grateful to the Ogun State PDP leadership, our members, supporters and the good people of Ogun State who remained steadfast. Your patience, encouragement and confidence have been invaluable.
This development reaffirms the importance of due process and the rule of law in our democracy. It is a reminder that every matter deserves to be addressed on its merits, rather than through speculation or premature conclusions.
I also commend the judiciary for its role in the administration of justice. Our democratic institutions must remain strong, independent and committed to upholding the law, regardless of political interests or affiliations.
While we welcome this judgment, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond this development. Our focus remains on engaging the people of Ogun State, presenting credible solutions to the challenges confronting our communities and building a future defined by opportunity, accountability and inclusive development.
Our mission has always been bigger than an individual or a political contest. It is about the welfare of our people, the progress of our state and the right of every citizen to participate meaningfully in choosing the leadership they desire.
OGUN FOR OGUN is more than a slogan. It represents our commitment to leadership that places the interests of Ogun people first and works tirelessly to improve their lives.
To our supporters, I urge you to remain calm, focused and resolute. Let us continue to conduct ourselves with dignity, respect for the law and an unwavering commitment to democratic values.
We have a state to build, a people to serve and a future to secure. Nothing will distract us from that responsibility.
RELIEF IS HERE!
ITURA DÉ…
— Hon. (Dr) Oladipupo Adebutu (@ladiadebutu) November 13, 2026
