Abayomi Tella, the Ogun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared his party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. He stated that the PDP is prepared to counter any tactics the All Progressives Congress (APC) might deploy.

Speaking in a recent interview, Tella accused the APC of past electoral misconduct. He alleged the party used violence and voter intimidation. These tactics, he claimed, helped them secure victories in the 2023 elections. They were also used in the recent Remo Federal Constituency by-election.

PDP Ready to Resist Intimidation in 2027

Tella vowed that the PDP would resist any attempts by the APC to intimidate voters in 2027. He insisted that the era of bullying opposition parties and manipulating the electoral process is over. “The days when the APC could intimidate opposition parties during elections are behind us,” Tella asserted.

He added, “Whatever they bring in 2027, we are ready to match it. The people are now solidly behind us. Their shenanigans are over. The 2027 election will be between APC and Nigerians, not just against the PDP or any other party.”

The chairman emphasized a democratic approach. “There is no monopoly of violence,” he stated. “But as democrats, we will ignore violence. We believe the people support us, and they will vote for us. In 2027, PDP is coming stronger. We will counter APC’s violent methods.”

Defections No Longer Attractive

Tella also commented on the defection of PDP members to the APC. He argued that many defectors have become mere spectators in their new party. According to him, defection is no longer an attractive option for politicians. He noted that defectors struggle to find relevance in the APC. This is because they were not part of the party’s foundation or internal structure.

He explained, “It is no longer enviable for a politician to cross from PDP to APC. Most of our members who have gone there have become onlookers. The original members worked for their victory. Defectors were not there, so they are still treated as outsiders.”

PDP’s Enduring Resilience and Unity Efforts

Tella further described the PDP as a political organization with deep roots. He insisted that efforts to weaken it have consistently failed. The party remains resilient, he noted, despite years of challenges. He added that the leadership is taking deliberate steps to strengthen internal unity. They aim to keep members aligned.

The PDP is focused on consolidating its base. It is also preparing for a stronger showing in the upcoming political cycle. “As far as I’m concerned, PDP is here to stay,” Tella affirmed. “The party can never die. If you try to kill it today, it will resurrect tomorrow. We are making frantic efforts to keep our people together.”