The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has questioned his omission and that of his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, from the final list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adebutu said the exclusion raised serious concerns, particularly because other PDP candidates contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate were included in the published lists.

The final list, released on Saturday, October 10, reportedly contained 13 governorship candidates and their running mates, but did not include the PDP ticket.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Adebutu maintained that he remained a registered member of the PDP, explaining that he had completed the party’s digital registration within the stipulated period and obtained a membership card that was subsequently verified.

He also insisted that the necessary documents relating to his candidacy had been submitted to INEC within the required timeframe.

According to Adebutu, the PDP governorship primary that produced him as its candidate was conducted with INEC officials present as observers, while the relevant documents were made available for verification and confirmation.

He questioned why his ticket was missing from the list when other candidates sponsored by the same party had been recognised by the electoral commission.

Adebutu said the development was not the first challenge his campaign had encountered, alleging that the party had faced restrictions involving campaign billboards, disruptions at campaign venues and harassment of its members.

He, however, urged party members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, adding that steps were being taken through the appropriate channels to address the situation.

The PDP candidate said he and the party would pursue the matter to ensure that due process was followed.

He maintained that the dispute went beyond his personal ambition, describing it as a matter concerning the rights of Ogun residents to determine their preferred leadership.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his running mate, Kudirat Abiodun Balogun, were listed among the candidates released by INEC.