2027: Adebutu praises Wike as court restores his candidacy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting him after a court restored his name to the list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
Adebutu expressed his appreciation in a statement posted on his X handle on Friday. He thanked 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 Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore Adebutu’s name to the list of candidates within 24 hours.
The order followed the commission’s decision to leave his name out of the published list of candidates for the election.
Adebutu and the PDP State Chairman, Abayomi Tella, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for justice, the rule of law and the people of Ogun State.
Adebutu said the ruling confirmed that his membership of the PDP, registration and emergence as the party’s governorship candidate were valid.
He added that the party had always believed its position was right and decided to pursue the matter through the courts.
He described the judgment as an important step towards resolving the dispute, saying political disagreements should be settled through proper legal processes rather than speculation.
Adebutu also said his focus remained on engaging residents, addressing their challenges and presenting plans for the development of the state.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and respect democratic values, assuring them that nothing would distract him from his commitment to serving the people.
Similarly, Tella described the court ruling as a victory for the people of Ogun State.
He said the judgment had strengthened his confidence in the judiciary and reassured party members and residents who were worried about the PDP’s exclusion from the electoral process.
The PDP chairman reaffirmed the party’s determination to participate in the 2027 governorship election, adding that the party remained committed to taking over the leadership of Ogun State.
He maintained that the ruling was a victory not only for the PDP and its candidate but also for the people of the state.