PDP Candidate Raises Alarm Over Omission of Gubernatorial Candidate from INEC List

Adebari Adekunle, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ifo Constituency I in Ogun State, has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the troubling omission of the party's gubernatorial candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, from the official election list. This exclusion has ignited fears of increased political tension in Ogun State, prompting Adekunle to call for immediate action from INEC to rectify the situation.

The final candidate list, signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, includes representatives from 13 political parties, notably featuring the All Progressives Congress (APC) but glaringly omitting the PDP. Adekunle emphasized that this matter transcends the interests of the two candidates involved, representing a broader concern for the democratic integrity of the state. He expressed that the omission not only undermines public trust but also raises questions about INEC's credibility and the implications of Senator Solomon Adeola's actions, the APC gubernatorial candidate, in this controversy.

In a notable response to the issue, President Bola Tinubu expressed his dissatisfaction with the political maneuvering of certain associates, warning that such actions could tarnish his administration's reputation and legacy. Adekunle interpreted the President's remarks as a significant indictment of INEC's handling of the situation, further amplifying the urgency for the commission to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

“We must not allow Ogun State to become a battleground for political desperation,” Adekunle remarked, urging INEC to adopt a transparent approach and reverse the controversial exclusion. His call to action reflects a growing concern among the electorate regarding the conduct of electoral bodies and the potential consequences for democratic practices in Nigeria.