The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Olusegun Adebutu, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of his name from the list of governorship candidates for the forthcoming election.

Adebutu, who expressed concern over the development, questioned the rationale behind the Commission’s decision and its implications for his participation in the electoral process.

According to him, his emergence as the PDP candidate followed due process, including a valid primary election conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

He described his exclusion as surprising and capable of creating unnecessary tension in the polity.

The Ogun PDP governorship candidate noted that the omission raises questions about transparency and fairness in the compilation of candidates’ lists, urging INEC to urgently address the issue to avoid disenfranchising his supporters and the party.

He maintained that all necessary documents and requirements were duly submitted to the Commission within the stipulated timeframe, adding that there is no legal basis for his name to be excluded from the final list.

Adebutu called on his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that his legal team is engaging with INEC and will explore all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is done and his candidacy is restored.

Meanwhile, political observers have said the development could have significant implications for the forthcoming governorship election in Ogun State, given Adebutu’s political influence and the strength of the PDP in the state.

Efforts to get an official reaction from INEC regarding the omission were still ongoing at the time of filing this report, as the Commission is yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.