2027: Adebutu hails Wike after court restores candidacy
2027: Adebutu hails Wike after court restores candidacy
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his support after a Federal High Court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore his name to the list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu, in a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, expressed appreciation to the PDP national leadership, particularly Wike, whom he described as the party’s national leader, and the National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, for their support.
The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, directed INEC to restore Adebutu’s name to the list of candidates within 24 hours, following its omission from the commission’s published list for the governorship election.
The PDP candidate and the party’s state chairman, Abayomi Tella, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for justice, rule of law and the people of Ogun State.
Adebutu said the ruling reaffirmed his position that his party membership, registration and emergence as the PDP governorship candidate were valid.
He said the party had remained confident in its position and pursued the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
“Today’s ruling represents an important step towards resolving the issue,” he said.
He said the judgment underscored the importance of due process and the need for political disputes to be determined on their merits rather than speculation.
Adebutu added that his focus remained on engaging residents, presenting solutions to their challenges and building a future anchored on accountability and inclusive development.
“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 said.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and respect democratic values, adding that nothing would distract him from his responsibility to serve the people of the state.
Similarly, Tella described the court’s decision as a victory for the people of Ogun State.
He said the ruling had reinforced his confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, adding that he had never doubted that justice would prevail.
The PDP chairman said the judgment would reassure residents who had been concerned about the party’s exclusion from the electoral process.
He reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate in the 2027 governorship election, declaring that the PDP remained committed to taking over the leadership of the state.
Tella maintained that the ruling was not just a victory for the PDP and its candidate but also for the people of the state.
