Lauretta Fagbohun
Abeokuta
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ifo Constituency I in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Adebari Adekunle, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of the party’s governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, from its final list of candidates for the 2027 elections.
Adekunle also warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, against actions that could heighten political tension in Ogun State ahead of the elections.
INEC’s final list, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, reportedly contains candidates from 13 political parties, including the APC, but excludes the PDP.
Reacting to the development, Adekunle described the omission of Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo as a matter of concern beyond the affected candidates, insisting that it had implications for the state’s political climate and democratic process.
He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s reported expression of displeasure over the desperation of some political associates, warning that their actions could undermine his administration’s image and democratic legacy.
According to the PDP candidate, the President’s comments amounted to a “great indictment” of INEC and raised questions about the commission’s credibility, as well as Yayi’s alleged role in the controversy.
Adekunle urged INEC to protect public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring transparency and addressing the controversy surrounding the omission without delay.
He expressed concern over what he described as premature celebrations by some APC members over the alleged exclusion of the PDP candidates, saying such conduct could further inflame political tensions.
“A situation where APC party members would be celebrating that they would remove names from the INEC list even before it actually happened was a reckless one,” he said.
Adekunle further disclosed that some residents, angered by what they perceived as an attempt to undermine their electoral choices, had threatened to stage protests. He added that community elders and other stakeholders were appealing for calm to prevent a breakdown of peace.
“Ogun State must not become a battleground for desperate political interests. Political ambition should not take precedence over democratic principles,” he warned.
He noted that residents grappling with economic hardship were looking towards the 2027 elections for change and would resist any attempt to deny them a fair opportunity to choose their leaders.
“Peace must not be mistaken for weakness,” he added.
The assembly candidate also appealed to the Presidency to ensure that no individual exploited President Tinubu’s name to advance personal political ambitions or undermine efforts to promote credible elections.
He reiterated his call on INEC to act transparently and resolve the controversy promptly, warning that the patience of Ogun residents should not be taken for granted.
