By Ayodele Oni
The final list of candidates contesting for various positions during next year’s elections released on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is generating mixed reactions.
Putting a lie to all speculations over his candidacy, the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, made the list.
But the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, who surprisingly did not make the list, has protested the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the names of the governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday saying it raises “serious questions”.
This is just as the Kano state chapter of the National Democratic Congress, NDC cited computer error as the reason for the omission of its governorship candidate’s name, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the final INEC list for the state.
According to Adebutu, all the other party’s candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial positions appeared on the published lists except him and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo. “We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process is respected,” Adebutu declared in a statement Sunday morning.
A check on INEC’s portal showed that the final list contained the names of 13 governorship candidates and their running mates, while PDP’s Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo were conspicuously missing.
The list was signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his running mate, Kudirat Abiodun Balogun, were included on the list.
In his statement, Adebutu faulted what he called the “omission” of his name by INEC.
Adebutu maintained that he remained a duly registered member of the PDP, having completed digital registration within the stipulated period, and that his membership card had been printed and verified.
“My documentation was duly submitted to INEC within the prescribed time. I have not at any point left the PDP, and my commitment to our great party remains unwavering.”
He also explained that the governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate was conducted with INEC officials in attendance as observers.
“The relevant documents were presented for verification, certification and confirmation. These are important facts that must not be overlooked in the present circumstances.
“The circumstances surrounding this omission raise serious questions, particularly when all the other party’s candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial positions have appeared on the published lists.”
The PDP chieftain maintained that the development “is not an isolated experience in our journey.
“Our party has faced attempts to frustrate our campaign, including restrictions on our billboards, attacks at campaign grounds and harassment of our members.”
While urging party members, supporters and the good people of Ogun State to remain calm and steadfast, he said “necessary steps are being taken to address this matter.
“Our cause is bigger than any individual. It is about the dignity of our people, the progress of our state and the right of Ogun people to determine our own future.
“OGUN FOR OGUN” is more than a slogan. It is a call for leadership rooted in our people, responsive to our needs and committed to our welfare. No distraction will make us abandon that commitment.
“We remain focused. We remain resolute. The journey to a better Ogun continues.”
In its reaction, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State blamed computer error for omission of its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, name from the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party’s Public Relations Officer, Yusif Fasaha, said INEC has assured the party that the omission would be corrected, with a revised list containing Gwarzo’s name expected by Monday.
Fasaha, in a statement made available to newsmen in Kano, urged party members to remain calm while consultations continued over the development.
“I want to assure you that as the PRO of the party, the problem is not from us.
“We have consulted the INEC and they told us that the problem was from computer, and they will rectify it.
“So, everybody should remain calm; as from now to Monday, another list containing his name will be out.”
The party spokesman maintained that Gwarzo fulfilled all the requirements for the election, insisting that the necessary processes were completed within the stipulated period.
“We have seen the list and will continue with consultation on the matter.”
Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State, is the NDC’s governorship candidate and an ally of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who leads the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
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