2027: Adebutu receives APC defectors, downplays INEC omission

Oladipupo Adebutu, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has deemed his exclusion from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election as a temporary distraction. He remains confident that it will not hinder his political pursuits or aspirations.

Adebutu made these remarks on Monday in Abeokuta following the PDP's reception of Olusegun Williams, a former House of Representatives member who switched allegiance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. Williams detailed his decision to return to the PDP, citing his dissatisfaction with his experiences in the APC.

Adebutu firmly denied any claims that he had left the PDP, citing his long-standing affiliation with the party and his consistent candidacy in each election since 2007. He challenged anyone who claimed otherwise to provide evidence of his alleged defection to another party. Adebutu emphasized his extensive involvement in the PDP's activities, revealing that he participated in and financed the recent membership registration drive in Ogun State, which resulted in the registration of approximately 19,800 new members.

As a testament to his commitment, he registered himself and was assigned membership number 1536. He urged Nigerians to decide the matter for themselves and criticized the ruling APC in the state for attempting to weaken opposition parties instead of allowing them to compete based on their accomplishments. Adebutu urged political parties to present their achievements to the electorate and seek votes through democratic means rather than resorting to political intimidation.

He also alleged that opposition supporters and businesses in the state were being harassed, and that billboards supporting his candidacy had been destroyed or vandalized. Despite these challenges, Adebutu expressed faith in Nigeria's judicial system, asserting that he had met the requirements for party membership and primary participation.

He dismissed the omission from the INEC list as an attempt to impede the party's preparations and discourage supporters, but he remained undeterred, stating that the process would eventually benefit the PDP.