Oladipupo Adebutu faces exclusion from the INEC candidate list for the 2027 Ogun governorship election amid a bitter PDP crisis.
The political future of Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Oladipupo Adebutu has been thrown into serious jeopardy ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
His exclusion alongside running mate Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo from the Independent National Electoral Commission list stems from a failure to submit a valid membership register before party primaries.
While Adebutu insists he is a registered member, the electoral commission maintains the party failed to meet statutory requirements, according to information published by NIGERIA.
Roots of the Ogun PDP Crisis
The primary reason for Adebutu's exclusion traces back to a prolonged national leadership crisis within the PDP, which divided the party into competing factions nationwide.
One faction is backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, while a rival group is led by Kabiru Turaki.
State party leaders claim Adebutu's association with the Turaki faction caused his name to be omitted from the digital register submitted by the Mohammed executive.
Accusations of Political Witch-hunt
Ogun PDP leader Gbenga Akanji described the development as pure politics aimed at punishing Adebutu for his political affiliations within the fractured opposition party.
Akanji questioned why Iyobo Obasanjo successfully made the senatorial list after defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress, while Adebutu was left out.
Critics argue that the ruling party and internal detractors want to weaken the opposition in Ogun State to pave the way for an uncontested election.
Adebutu Dismisses Electoral Setback
Adebutu strongly rejected questions regarding his membership during a press briefing in Abeokuta, stating that he personally funded and orchestrated the registration.
He disclosed that his official registration number is 1536 and noted that his campaign has already visited 12 local government areas without slowing down.
Party loyalists like former local government chairman Wale Adedayo remain confident that administrative processes or legal battles will resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Oladipupo Adebutu excluded from the INEC list?
The Independent National Electoral Commission excluded Oladipupo Adebutu because his name was missing from the official digital membership register submitted by the recognized PDP leadership.
Who is Oladipupo Adebutu in Ogun State politics?
Oladipupo Adebutu is a prominent Peoples Democratic Party chieftain who previously secured 262,383 votes in the March 18, 2023 Ogun State governorship election.
Will Adebutu contest the 2027 Ogun governorship election?
Despite his current exclusion, Oladipupo Adebutu insists his campaign is moving forward across Ogun State, with supporters anticipating a resolution through legal or administrative channels.
