The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun, Ladi Adebutu, on the list of candidates cleared to contest the 2027 general election.

The judgement, delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu, said INEC had no right to remove any candidate sponsored by a political party without a court order.

The court also directed INEC to immediately restore Mr Adebutu’s name to the list and publish it within 24 hours.

In its ruling, the court held that the PDP established beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Adebutu was a registered member of the party in the state.

The court challenged INEC’s authority over the party’s membership register, asking whether the electoral body has become the custodian of the PDP’s membership records.

Additionally, the judge faulted INEC for failing to provide evidence that the PDP’s submitted flash drive had been altered.

INEC removed Mr Adebutu’s name from its final list of governorship candidates for the 2027 elections.