The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed a Friday, November 13, 2026 ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate Oladipupo Adebutu as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election.
The party described the judgment as a confirmation that its effort to reclaim Ogun State is firmly on course.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Friday, ordered INEC to publish Adebutu’s name on the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election within 24 hours.
The court held that INEC acted beyond its statutory powers because it has no authority to unilaterally disqualify a validly nominated party candidate without an order from a competent court.
Justice Lifu ruled that excluding Adebutu’s name without giving him an opportunity to be heard violated his constitutional right to a fair hearing, rendering the exclusion unlawful, unconstitutional, and void.
Reacting in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy, justice and the rule of law.
The party said the development had energised its members, supporters and stakeholders as it intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections.
It urged the people of Ogun State to rally behind Adebutu and other PDP candidates, promising a government focused on economic opportunities, infrastructure, education and healthcare.
“Our desire and commitment is to build an Ogun state where economic opportunities are expanded, infrastructure is strengthened, education and healthcare receive the attention they deserve, and government genuinely serves the interests of the people,” Jungudo said.
The PDP expressed confidence that a fresh mandate from Ogun residents would enable it to pursue the state’s developmental aspirations and improve the living conditions of its citizens.
“The journey to reclaim Ogun State and restore purposeful governance is firmly on course,” the party declared.