Furdaus Obiremi
A Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the Ogun State House of 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 capable of heightening political tension in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebari’s warning follows the exclusion of the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Alhaja Lateefat Showunmi-Kolapo, from INEC’s final list of governorship candidates, a development he said had raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
The assembly hopeful urged INEC, Adeola and other political stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure that the controversy did not degenerate into a crisis capable of threatening peace and stability in Ogun State.
He also called on the electoral commission to address the concerns surrounding the omission, insisting that the matter should be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
Adebari’s position comes amid a ThisDay report alleging that President Bola Tinubu had expressed displeasure with 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 indictment that raised questions about the conduct of political actors and the credibility of the electoral process.
He said the reported warning against political associates celebrating the anticipated removal of names from INEC’s candidate list was a cause for concern.
“A situation where APC party members would be celebrating that they would remove names from the INEC list even before it actually happened was a reckless one,” he said, citing the reported remarks.
Adebari urged INEC to dispel public concerns by demonstrating that its decisions were guided by the law rather than political considerations.
He also called on the Presidency to ensure that its commitment to credible elections was upheld, 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 capable of damaging 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 chieftain maintained that political ambition should not override democratic principles, adding that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, if established, could undermine public confidence and threaten the state’s political stability.
He further argued that the controversy had gone beyond Adebutu and his running mate, becoming an issue of concern for residents who expected a credible electoral process.
He urged the affected parties and political stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and actions, stressing that maintaining peace remained a collective responsibility.
However, he cautioned that calls for calm should not be interpreted as an indication that the people would tolerate any action they considered an attempt to undermine their electoral rights.
According to him, residents grappling with economic hardship were looking towards the 2027 elections with the expectation that they would have a genuine opportunity to choose their leaders.
He 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 controversy without delay, stressing the need for transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the law.
He added that the electoral commission must reassure the electorate that every decision concerning candidates was based on established legal procedures and not 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, electoral officials and other stakeholders to place the state’s peace and democratic future above partisan interests.
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