Ogun Gov Poll: PDP candidate’s name not in party’s register, INEC tells court
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended its decision to exclude Ladi Adebutu from the Ogun State governorship race, citing his absence from the PDP's official membership register. The matter is currently before the Federal High Court, with a judgment date set following the conclusion of arguments.
Context & Background
- ✦The case centers on compliance with Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates that political parties maintain accurate membership registers.
- ✦The dispute highlights the legal requirement for candidates to be verified against party registers submitted to INEC to ensure eligibility for the 2027 general elections.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Ladi Adebutu:PDP governorship candidate whose name was omitted from the INEC list.Justice Peter Lifu:The presiding judge at the Federal High Court who has scheduled the final judgment for Friday.Kolapo Lateefat Oyeyemi:The PDP deputy governorship candidate whose name was successfully verified in the register.
Outlook & Next Steps
Justice Peter Lifu is expected to deliver the court's judgment on the matter this coming Friday.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- INEC excluded Ladi Adebutu from the Ogun State governorship race because his name was absent from the PDP membership register submitted to the commission.
- INEC alleges that the flash drives submitted by the PDP as evidence in court do not match the original membership registers provided to the commission.
- A Labour Party chieftain has accused Adebutu of perjury, claiming that the serial number the candidate claimed as his own actually belongs to another individual.
Key Facts:22 April 2026: The PDP submitted the first flash drive containing membership data to INEC.February 6, 2027: The Ogun State governorship election is scheduled to take place.
Editorial Excerpt
… as LP chieftain alleges plot to compromise judge By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained to the Federal High Court in Abuja why it excluded Ogun State PDP candidate Mr Ladi Adebutu from its list of candidates cleared for the 2027 general...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why did INEC exclude Ladi Adebutu from the list of governorship candidates?
INEC stated that Adebutu's name was not found in the official membership register submitted by the PDP, despite finding the name of his deputy governorship candidate.
What is the allegation regarding the serial number 1536?
While Adebutu claimed this serial number belonged to him, INEC and an LP chieftain stated that the register actually lists one Lugboso Sunday Seun at that position.
