The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to reinstate the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, on its list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election within 24 hours.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment delivered on Friday, held that INEC lacked the power to unilaterally disqualify a candidate validly nominated by a political party.
The judge also held that the commission breached Adebutu’s right to fair hearing by excluding his name without giving him an opportunity to be heard, declaring the action unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect.
The court further held that the power to disqualify a candidate after his name had been forwarded by a political party “resides with the Federal High Court or State High Court,” adding that the commission should have approached a competent court if it believed Adebutu was not qualified to contest the election.
Justice Lifu faulted INEC for excluding Adebutu despite his participation in the May 24, 2026 governorship primary, which the court found valid.
He also dismissed the commission’s evidence that Adebutu’s name was missing from the PDP membership register, noting that its witness, Mustapha Mohammed, admitted under cross-examination that he was not the official who received the flash drive containing the party’s membership register.
The court consequently ordered INEC to rectify the candidates’ list published on October 10, 2026, to reflect Adebutu’s name.
More details shortly…
Nathaniel Shaibu is a correspondent at The PUNCH with three years of professional journalism experience. He covers the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), civil society, religion, and the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development. In addition to his primary beats, Nathaniel also reports on politics, metro, security, and judicial matters, bringing clarity and balance to a wide range of public-interest stories. His work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, strong beat knowledge, and a commitment to accurate, responsible journalism.
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