2027: PDP reacts to court ruling reinstating Adebutu as Ogun gov candidate, urges INEC to comply

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed a Federal High Court judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate Ladi Adebutu as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Jungudo Mohammed, on Friday, the party urged INEC to comply with the court order immediately.

Mr Mohammed described the judgment as a significant victory for democracy, justice and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for demonstrating courage, independence and fidelity to constitutional principles.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier on Friday ordered INEC to publish Mr Adebutu’s name as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election within 24 hours.

Peter Lifu, the judge, gave the order in a judgment on a suit filed by Mr Adebutu and the PDP challenging INEC’s exclusion of his name from the final list of candidates for the 6 February 2027 governorship election.

The judge held that INEC “acted beyond its statutory powers” by removing Mr Adebutu’s name from the list, adding that the commission had no authority to disqualify a candidate duly nominated by a political party.

He consequently declared the exclusion “unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void”.

The judge further held that even if the PDP had violated the Electoral Act, INEC could not “unilaterally remove the name of a duly nominated candidate without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction”.

Reacting to the judgement, the PDP said the ruling would strengthen its confidence and determination to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

“This development is a significant boost to the PDP, not only in Ogun State but across the country. It has further strengthened the Party’s confidence and determination as we intensify preparations towards the 2027 general elections.

“No doubt, this is a welcome development that has energised our members, supporters and stakeholders, while reaffirming our collective resolve to offer Nigerians a credible alternative,” Mr Mohammed said.

The party also urged residents of Ogun State to support Mr Adebutu and other PDP candidates in the 2027 elections, promising to prioritise economic development, education, healthcare and infrastructure if elected.

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“We call on the good people of Ogun State to rally behind Hon. Ladi Adebutu and all other PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections in the state. Our desire and commitment are to build an Ogun State where economic opportunities are expanded, infrastructure is strengthened, education and healthcare receive the attention they deserve, and government genuinely serves the interests of the people.

“The PDP remains confident that, with the support and mandate of the good people of Ogun State, we shall deliver the leadership required to restore the state’s developmental aspirations and improve the living conditions of its citizens. The journey to reclaim Ogun State and restore purposeful governance is firmly on course,” he said.