Court Orders INEC to Reinstate Adebutu as Ogun PDP Candidate

Court Orders INEC to Reinstate Adebutu as Ogun PDP Candidate

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate Oladipupo Adebutu as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Friday, November 13, 2026, ruling that the electoral commission could not remove a candidate sponsored by a political party without a court order.

The judgment followed a legal dispute between Adebutu, the PDP and INEC over the omission of his name from the commission’s list of candidates.

Court Rules Against INEC

According to PUNCH Newspapers, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to reinstate Ladi Adebutu as the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State within 24 hours.

Adebutu and the PDP had approached the court to challenge INEC’s decision to exclude him from the governorship race.

The plaintiffs argued that the commission acted outside its powers by removing a candidate they maintained had been validly nominated.

During the proceedings, INEC defended its decision, arguing that Adebutu’s name was missing from the party membership register submitted to the commission.

The PDP disputed that position, insisting that the candidate’s details were included in the documents it submitted.

Justice Lifu subsequently ruled in favour of Adebutu, ordering his reinstatement to the list of candidates for the 2027 Ogun governorship election.

What the Judgment Means for Ogun 2027

The ruling represents a significant development in the legal dispute over the PDP’s governorship candidacy in Ogun State.

It also raises questions about the limits of INEC’s authority when handling candidates submitted by political parties.

Although the court has ordered Adebutu’s reinstatement, confirmation of INEC’s compliance remains necessary.

The decision comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.