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Furdaus Obiremi
A Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Ogun State Assembly, Ifo Constituency I, Alhaji Adebari Semiu Adekunle, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission and Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, against actions likely to increase political tension in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebari’s warning follows the exclusion of PDP governorship candidate, Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Alhaja Lateefat Showunmi-Kolapo, from the final list of INEC governorship candidates, a development which he said had raised concerns over the credibility of the electoral process.
Supporters at the assembly urged INEC, Adeola and other political actors to show restraint and ensure that the dispute does not escalate into a crisis capable of threatening peace and stability in Ogun State.
He also called on the Election Commission to address concerns related to the omission, insisting that the matter should be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
Adebari’s stance comes in the context of a ThisDay report that President Bola Tinubu has expressed disappointment at the desperation of some political associates, warning that their conduct could undermine his administration’s image and democratic legacy.
Reacting to the reported presidential position, Adebari described it as a serious allegation that raised doubts on the conduct of political actors and the credibility of the electoral process.
He said the reported warning against political associates celebrating the early removal of names from INEC’s candidate list was a cause for concern.
“A situation where members of the APC party were celebrating the removal of names from the INEC list even before it actually happened was ill-advised,” he said, citing reported remarks.
Adebari urged INEC to allay public concerns by demonstrating that its decisions were guided by law rather than political considerations.
He also called on the Presidency to ensure that its commitment to credible elections is maintained, regardless of the interests of individuals or political groups.
According to him, no political associate should invoke the President’s name to advance personal ambitions or engage in conduct that could damage the administration’s reputation.
“Ogun State must not be turned into a battleground for desperate political interests ahead of the 2027 elections,” he warned.
The PDP chief maintained that political ambition should not prevail over democratic principles, adding that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, if carried out, could undermine public confidence and threaten the political stability of the state.
He further argued that the controversy had gone beyond Adebutu and his running mate, becoming a cause for concern for residents who expected a credible electoral process.
He urged relevant parties and political stakeholders to avoid provocative statements and actions, stressing that maintaining peace remains a collective responsibility.
However, he warned that calls for calm should not be interpreted as an indication that the people would tolerate any action seen as an attempt to undermine their electoral rights.
According to him, residents facing economic hardship looked to the 2027 elections with the expectation of having a real opportunity to choose their leaders.
It said any development perceived as denying eligible candidates a fair opportunity to participate could further erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Adebari therefore called on INEC to address the dispute without delay, stressing the need for transparency, fairness and strict compliance with the law.
He added that the electoral commission must reassure the electorate that any decisions regarding candidates are based on established legal procedures and not on political pressure.
“Ogun State deserves a peaceful political atmosphere where qualified candidates can compete fairly and the electorate can freely determine who leads them,” he said.
He urged political leaders, election officials and other stakeholders to place peace and democratic future of the State above partisan interests.
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