The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Oyo State, Adebiyi Adedapo, has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of his name from the final list of governorship candidates for the 2027 election.
In an open letter dated October 15, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, Adedapo called on the INEC Chairman to urgently investigate the omission and take corrective steps in line with the law.
Adedapo said he emerged as the duly nominated candidate of the NNPP following a consensus primary conducted under the supervision of the party’s National Secretary, Oginni Sunday, in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
He explained that the party duly submitted his candidature to the Commission and his EC9 form was displayed at the INEC State Office in Oyo, which gave him reasonable expectation that his name would appear on the final list.
While appreciating the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Prof. Rahmon Tella, for the engagement at the state level, Adedapo said the omission has raised serious concerns that require urgent clarification.
For the avoidance of doubt, the candidate said he never withdrew from the race.
Adedapo noted: “I have never withdrawn my candidature from the Oyo State governorship election. I have neither submitted nor authorised the submission of any letter of withdrawal to INEC, the NNPP, or any person or institution acting on my behalf.”
To this end, he challenged INEC to disclose any document purporting to show his withdrawal, including its source and date of receipt, and subject any unauthorised withdrawal or substitution to scrutiny.
According to him, the omission raises questions about the accuracy and transparency of the candidate-list publication process and affects not only his aspiration but also the NNPP, its supporters and the people of Oyo State.
He, therefore, called on the electoral body to investigate the circumstances of the omission; provide a written explanation and disclose documents relied upon; verify his nomination records; confirm whether any purported withdrawal was received; and preserve all relevant records pending resolution.
Adedapo also called on INEC to apply lawful remedies to correct any irregularity and ensure his name is reflected on the ballot.
He said he was ready to provide evidence of his nomination, primary results, submitted particulars and party correspondence to assist the investigation.
Adedapo maintained that the petition was made in the interest of transparency, fairness and rule of law, adding that he reserves all legal rights and remedies should the matter remain unresolved.