The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has hailed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore his name to the list of candidates for the forthcoming governorship election within 24 hours.
Adebutu described the judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Friday, as a victory for justice, the rule of law and democratic principles.
Reacting to the ruling in a statement, the PDP chieftain declared: “Justice has prevailed! Relief is here!”
He described the judgment as a significant development in the legal battle over his exclusion from INEC’s published list of candidates for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
Adebutu said he had consistently maintained that his PDP membership, registration and emergence as the party’s governorship candidate were legitimate and in accordance with due process.
“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 said.
According to him, the party remained confident in the strength of its position and resolved to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
He noted that the judgment had reaffirmed the importance of due process, stressing that political and electoral disputes should be determined on their merits rather than on speculation or premature conclusions.
Adebutu expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the PDP, particularly Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the party’s national leader, and its National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, for their support and confidence throughout the legal proceedings.
He also thanked the Ogun State PDP leadership, party members, supporters and residents of the state for their solidarity during the period of uncertainty.
“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 stated.
The governorship candidate also commended the judiciary for its role in upholding justice, emphasising that democratic institutions must remain independent and impartial, 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,” he said.
Welcoming the judgment, Adebutu said his focus remained on addressing the developmental challenges confronting Ogun State and engaging residents on practical solutions to improve their welfare.
