The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include Ladi Adebutu’s name on its candidates’ list for the Ogun State governorship election. The ruling followed allegations that INEC illegally excluded his name without proper authority.
Justice Peter Lifu asserted that INEC does not have the unilateral power to disqualify a candidate, emphasizing that the authority to do so resides with the Federal High Court or State High Court. The court found that Adebutu’s right to fair hearing was violated and that his exclusion from the candidate list was unlawful and unconstitutional.
The judge acknowledged that Adebutu had participated in the primary elections and his name had been submitted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on August 29, 2026, prior to its subsequent omission from INEC’s public list in October. Adebutu had reportedly not withdrawn from the race, prompting the PDP to request a reversal of INEC’s decision, which the commission ignored.
During the proceedings, testimonies were heard from party officials regarding the submission of their membership list to INEC. The court found inconsistencies in INEC’s claims about Adebutu’s eligibility, particularly regarding the administrative processes involved in candidate nominations.
Justice Lifu reinforced the foundational importance of fair hearing in Nigeria’s legal system, stating that a decision affecting an individual must not be taken without granting them the opportunity to be heard. The court ruled in favor of Adebutu, outlining that the actions of INEC had exceeded its authority.
Furthermore, the ruling underscored the process by which political parties nominate candidates, asserting that without adherence to legal frameworks, actions such as removing a candidate’s name could lead to significant electoral disruptions.
The court has ordered INEC to rectify its records and publish Adebutu’s name in compliance with the judgment, emphasizing that any election results for the 2027 governorship contest lacking his participation would be deemed unconstitutional.
