Court Says INEC Lacks Power To Derecognize Candidates, Directs Immediate Recognition Of Adebutu As Ogun Guber Candidate
The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Chief Ladi Adebutu as the Ogun State PDP governorship candidate and include his name on the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election within 24 hours.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Justice Peter Lifu in his ruling delivered on Friday, held that INEC lacks the constitutional and statutory powers to unilaterally disqualify a candidate who has been validly nominated by his political party.
Justice Lifu said INEC breached Adebutu’s right to fair hearing by excluding his name from the list of candidates without giving him an opportunity to be heard.
He said the removal of Adebutu’s name is unlawful, unconstitutional and of no effect.
He added that only the Federal High Court or State High Court can disqualify a candidate after his name had been forwarded by a political party.
Recall that INEC had omitted the names of Professor Isa Ali Pantami , Adebutu and others from its final list earlier last month, a decision that was largely influenced by a landmark September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment (INEC v. Zenith Labour Party), which strictly enforced Sections 77(5)–(7) of the Electoral Act.
Pantami, Kano State NDC candidate, Aminu Gwarzo were later recognized by INEC while Adebutu had his candidacy remained k-legged
Meanwhile, Hon Ladi Adebutu, has welcomed the Federal High Court ruling which he described as a victory for the rule of law and democratic principles, noting that it has reaffirmed confidence in the judiciary-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
