Ogun 2027: ‘Justice has prevailed,’ Adebutu hails court order against INEC

The Ogun State 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Oladipupo Adebutu, has welcomed a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore his name to the list of candidates contesting the governorship election in the state within 24 hours.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, gave the order at its sitting in Abuja on Friday, prompting Adebutu to describe the development as a victory for justice, the rule of law and democratic principles.

Reacting to the judgment in a statement issued on Friday, Adebutu declared, “Justice has prevailed! Relief is here!”, describing the ruling as a significant step towards resolving the controversy surrounding his omission from INEC’s published list of candidates.

He said he had maintained from the outset that the circumstances surrounding his PDP membership, registration and the process that produced him as the party’s governorship candidate were clear.

“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,” he stated.

According to him, the party remained confident in its position and pursued the matter through the appropriate legal channels.

Adebutu said the judgment reaffirmed the importance of due process, stressing that political and electoral disputes should be determined on their merits rather than through speculation or premature conclusions.

He also thanked the national leadership of the PDP, particularly Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he identified as the party’s national leader, and its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, for their support and confidence throughout the legal proceedings.

He equally acknowledged the Ogun State PDP leadership, party members, supporters and residents for remaining steadfast during the 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,” he said.

The PDP chieftain also commended the judiciary for its role in the administration of justice, noting that democratic institutions must remain independent and committed to upholding the law, irrespective of political interests or affiliations.

“Our democratic institutions must remain strong, independent and committed to upholding the law, regardless of political interests or affiliations,” Adebutu said.

While welcoming the court’s decision, he said his attention remained on addressing the developmental challenges confronting Ogun State and engaging residents on credible solutions.

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He maintained that his political mission extended beyond personal ambition or electoral contests, arguing that the ultimate objective was the welfare of the people and their right to participate meaningfully in choosing their leaders.

“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,” he stated.

Reaffirming his political slogan, Adebutu said “OGUN FOR OGUN” represented his commitment to leadership that prioritised the interests and welfare of the people.

He urged his supporters to remain calm and conduct themselves with dignity and respect for the law following the ruling.

“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,” he said.

Adebutu concluded by declaring that the development would not distract him from his commitment to the state, adding, “We have a state to build, a people to serve and a future to secure. Nothing will distract us from that responsibility.”

In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that INEC lacked the constitutional and statutory powers to unilaterally disqualify a candidate validly nominated by a political party.

The judge also held that the commission breached Adebutu’s right to fair hearing by excluding his name from the candidates’ list without giving him an opportunity to be heard.

Justice Lifu declared the removal of Adebutu’s name unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect.

He said the authority to disqualify a candidate after his name had been forwarded by a political party “resides with the Federal High Court or State High Court.”

The judgment followed a suit instituted by the PDP and Adebutu after INEC omitted his name from the final list of candidates published on October 10, 2026.

Before determining the substantive suit, the judge dismissed INEC’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of the action.

Justice Lifu held that the originating summons was properly signed by a senior counsel and contained the names of other lawyers in his firm, describing the process as competent.