Many Ogun residents say they are not worried about the omission of Ladi Adebutu from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of governorship candidates. To them, it is a small delay, not the end of the road.

INEC released its final list of 13 candidates for the 6 February 2027 governorship election in Ogun State. The name of Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, was not on it. His running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, was also missing.

INEC has not given a clear written reason for this. Some civil society groups claim his name was not in the PDP membership register sent to INEC. Reports also link the matter to a Supreme Court judgment of 24 September on party membership registers.

The Ogun PDP says this is not true. The party says Adebutu is a registered member, that he was registered digitally within the required time, and that his membership card was printed, verified and sent to INEC. The party also claims the ruling party is putting pressure on the process, and says the list on display is not yet the final one.

On the streets of Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota, the mood is calm. Residents say they are tired of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and have placed their hope in Adebutu.

"We are not afraid. This is just a small delay," said a trader from Abeokuta. "For years we have suffered under the APC. The roads are bad, prices are high and life is hard. Ladi Adebutu is the one we are waiting for. A mistake on a paper list cannot change what is in our hearts. He will be on the ballot and we will vote for him."

Another resident, said the people had already made up their minds. "We have seen enough of this government. We want change and we want someone who will feel our pain. Adebutu gives us hope. If INEC has made an error, they will correct it. We are waiting, and we are still behind him."

A young voter, was just as firm. "This is my first time voting, I am just 21, some people want us to lose heart, but we will not. APC has had its time and we are tired. Ladi Adebutu is our ray of hope, and we believe he will rescue us. This setback will pass and we will be on the queue come February."

A politician who spoke to our reporter explained that the law gives a way out. said there is no cause for panic.

"This is not the end," the politician said. "The Electoral Act 2026 has a clear rule for this kind of situation. Under Section 32(1), INEC must publish the names and addresses of all candidates standing nominated at least 60 days before an election. Section 32(2) then covers a party that finds its candidate's name missing. That party has 14 days from the date of publication to notify INEC in writing."

The politician added that the letter must follow strict rules. "It must be signed by the national chairman and the national secretary of the party. It must also be supported by an affidavit. If the PDP does this properly and on time, INEC will have to look at the evidence again. So the party has to move fast and get its papers right."

It is not yet certain that Adebutu will be restored. That depends on whether the PDP uses the 14-day window properly and whether INEC accepts the party's proof of membership. For now, INEC has not named Adebutu in any formal explanation, so the matter remains an omission awaiting clarification, not a proven disqualification.

For the people of Ogun, though, the message is simple. They say they are not bothered, they are waiting for INEC to act, and their hope in Ladi Adebutu is still strong.