The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has signalled an aggressive return to the political battlefield, announcing plans to reclaim power starting with the off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
This declaration followed a closed-door strategic meeting between the PDP’s National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Leading a high-powered delegation of party leaders, Turaki described the visit as a crucial consultation with one of the party’s founding figures, noting that Obasanjo’s experience remains invaluable to the PDP’s revival efforts.
“Our visit was to formally present ourselves to our father, a former president elected on the platform of the PDP,” Turaki said. “We came to thank him for his vision, his commitment to democracy, and the institutions he helped build, which Nigeria still benefits from today.”
Among those present were former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara; former Niger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; PDP National Secretary and former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Taofeek Arapaja; and Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella.
Using a proverb to emphasise the value of experience, Turaki said the party was drawing strength from Obasanjo’s years in leadership.
“A woman who started cooking before you must have more broken pots. Baba has spoken to us, and we are better prepared for the task ahead,” he said.
According to Turaki, the PDP leadership left Abeokuta with renewed confidence and determination, insisting the party is ready to confront the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The assignment before us is huge, but the guidance we received today has strengthened our resolve. We are ready to go all the way and return PDP to power in 2027,” he declared.
He stressed that the party’s immediate focus is on Ekiti and Osun, describing victories in both states as a clear signal of PDP’s resurgence.
“PDP is battle-ready. We will start by reclaiming Ekiti, then Osun. Once this happens, Nigerians will know that PDP is back and capable of ending APC’s incompetence and maladministration,” Turaki said.
The PDP chairman also urged party members to maintain unity, noting that internal cohesion is critical to a successful comeback.
“Since our convention in Ibadan, the ruling party has been uneasy. The political equation has changed,” he added.
Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella described the visit to Obasanjo as a morale booster for party members, saying it marked a turning point.
“This is a new dawn. Our members are happy, our hope is renewed, and the era of internal wrangling is behind us,” Tella said.
Looking ahead to 2027, Tella said the elections would go beyond party affiliations, framing it as a contest between the people and political power blocs. He also warned against a repeat of alleged electoral irregularities witnessed in previous polls.
“What happened in 2023 and during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election will not happen again. No one can stop us in 2027,” he said.
The Abeokuta meeting marks an early and strategic start to PDP’s nationwide mobilisation as the opposition party seeks to reposition itself and mount a formidable challenge to the APC ahead of the next general elections.
