Adebutu describes exclusion from INEC’s list as temporary distraction

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has described his exclusion from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election as a temporary distraction, insisting that it would not derail his political activities or ambition.

Adebutu spoke on Monday in Abeokuta when the PDP received a former member of the House of Representatives, Olusegun Williams, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP alongside his supporters.

The former lawmaker, who represented the constituency for two terms, said he was returning to his original political home after what he described as disappointing experiences in the APC.

Speaking with newsmen, Adebutu dismissed any suggestion that he had left the PDP, insisting that his political record and participation in the party’s activities over the years were sufficient evidence of his membership.

He challenged anyone with contrary evidence to establish when he allegedly defected to another political party.

“I have been a candidate of PDP five consecutive times. For the last 20 years, every election cycle, I have been a candidate of PDP. At what stage did I leave the party? Where is the proof that for one day, I even visited APC office?” he queried.

The governorship candidate also disclosed that he actively participated in organising and financing the recent PDP membership registration exercise in Ogun State, which recorded about 19,800 members.

According to him, he personally registered during the exercise and was assigned membership number 1536.

“We were able to register 19,800 and something. We targeted 20,000. Because of time, we couldn’t make 20,000. We registered 19,800 plus. That process, I was a very active participant in organising and financing that registration.

“I registered and my number is 1536. For somebody that registered 20,000, whose number comes over 1536? So, I don’t know the magic. The story is up to Nigerians to decide,” he said.

Adebutu argued that every Nigerian had a fundamental right to participate in the democratic process, accusing the ruling APC in the state of attempting to weaken opposition parties rather than allowing them to compete based on their achievements.

He said political parties should be allowed to present their scorecards to the electorate and seek votes through democratic means instead of using political power to frustrate their opponents.

“Should it be a party’s policy to hold down other parties? Should it be a party’s policy? If you mean well and you have done well for your people, you should be able to place your scorecard on the table. This is what I have done for you. You elect me,” he said.

The PDP chieftain further alleged that opposition supporters and businesses were being harassed in the state, while billboards erected by his supporters were allegedly destroyed or vandalised.

He maintained that such actions would not stop the party from reaching out to voters across the state.

Adebutu also accused the state government of borrowing excessively without commensurate development, alleging that Ogun State had little to show for its accumulated debts.

On the controversy surrounding his exclusion, he expressed confidence in the country’s judicial system, insisting that he fulfilled the requirements for party membership and participation in the primaries.

“Why shouldn’t my name come out? There is justice in Nigeria now. There is justice in Nigeria. I was duly registered. I orchestrated registration in this state. I have been the candidate of this state, of this PDP, for the last 20 years. Every cycle. Check your records,” he said.

He described the omission as an attempt to slow down the party’s preparations and discourage its supporters but insisted that the development would eventually work in their favour.

“They want to slow down the process and make the people of the state disenfranchised, discomforted. But never mind. It’s the process. It will end. And by the time it ends, it will even be a blessing to us.

“We are used to this. We’ve had various shenanigans like this and we have always welcomed them. So we have no fear at all. It has just slowed us down,” he added. (Daily trust)