On Friday, November 13, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate Oladipupo (Ladi) Adebutu as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State in the 2027 election.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2573/2026) filed by the PDP and Adebutu against INEC. The court directed INEC to restore Adebutu’s name to the list of candidates and publish it within 24 hours.
Background
INEC’s defence was that Adebutu’s name did not appear in the PDP membership register the party submitted, as required under Section 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act 2026. An INEC official stated that a search of the register found the name of the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate but not Adebutu’s (including checks for name variations). The commission also disputed Adebutu’s claimed membership serial number.
Court’s Ruling
Justice Lifu held that:
- INEC lacks the power to unilaterally disqualify or remove a candidate validly nominated by a political party.
- The power to disqualify a candidate after nomination rests with a competent court (Federal or State High Court), not the commission.
- INEC breached Adebutu’s right to fair hearing by excluding him without giving him an opportunity to be heard.
- The exclusion was unlawful, unconstitutional, and of no effect.
- Adebutu had validly participated in the PDP’s May 24, 2026, governorship primary.
The court also criticised aspects of INEC’s evidence regarding the membership register.
This ruling clears the way for Adebutu to appear on the ballot as the PDP candidate, subject to any further legal processes. The case had been adjourned to November 13 for judgment after both sides presented their arguments and witnesses.
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