The Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oladipupo Adebutu, has welcomed a Federal High Court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore his name to the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election within 24 hours.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the directive at the court’s sitting in Abuja on Friday, prompting Adebutu to describe the judgment as a victory for justice, the rule of law and democratic principles.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, the PDP chieftain expressed relief over the decision, which followed a legal challenge to his omission from INEC’s published list of candidates.
“Justice has prevailed! Relief is here!” he declared.
Adebutu said he had consistently maintained that his PDP membership, registration and emergence as the party’s governorship candidate were legitimate.
“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.
He said the party remained confident in its position and pursued the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
According to him, the judgment reinforced the need for electoral disputes to be resolved through due process rather than speculation or premature conclusions.
Adebutu also appreciated the PDP’s national leadership, particularly Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he identified as the party’s national leader, and its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, for their support throughout the legal proceedings.
He extended his appreciation to the Ogun State PDP leadership, party members, supporters and residents who stood by him during the dispute.
“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 politician commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, stressing that democratic institutions must operate independently of political interests.
“Our democratic institutions must remain strong, independent and committed to upholding the law, regardless of political interests or affiliations,” Adebutu said.
He added that his focus remained on addressing the developmental challenges facing Ogun State and presenting solutions to residents.
Adebutu maintained that his political ambition was not solely about securing an electoral position but also about promoting the welfare of the people and protecting their right to choose 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, “OGUN FOR OGUN,” he said it represented his commitment to leadership that prioritised the interests and welfare of the people.
He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and respect the law following the court’s decision.
“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 added that the ruling would not distract him from his stated commitment to the state.
“We have a state to build, a people to serve and a future to secure. Nothing will distract us from that responsibility,” he said.
In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that INEC lacked the constitutional and statutory authority to unilaterally disqualify a candidate validly nominated by a political party.
The judge also ruled that the commission violated Adebutu’s right to fair hearing by excluding his name from the candidates’ list without giving him an opportunity to be heard.
He consequently declared the removal of Adebutu’s name unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect.
Justice Lifu said the authority to disqualify a candidate after a political party had submitted the nomination “resides with the Federal High Court or State High Court.”
The judgment followed a suit filed by the PDP and Adebutu after INEC excluded his name from the final list of candidates published on October 10, 2026.
Before considering the substantive case, the judge dismissed INEC’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit.
He held that the originating summons was properly signed by a senior counsel and included the names of other lawyers in his firm, describing the legal process as competent.
