The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State is ready for the 2027 general elections. The party’s chairman, Abayomi Tella, stated this recently. He affirmed PDP’s preparedness to counter tactics employed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an interview with Punch, Tella accused the APC of using unfair methods. He cited violence, voter intimidation, and coercive tactics. These, he claimed, helped APC win in the 2023 elections. He also mentioned the recent Remo Federal Constituency by-election.
Tella vowed that the PDP would resist such attempts in 2027. He insisted the era of bullying opposition parties is over. Manipulating the electoral process will no longer be tolerated, he added.
PDP’s Stance on 2027 Elections
Tella stated emphatically that the APC’s days of intimidating opponents are past. “Whatever they bring in 2027, we are ready to match it,” he declared. He believes the people are now firmly behind the PDP. He added that the 2027 election would be “between APC and Nigerians.” This, he stressed, is not just against the PDP or any other party.
“There is no monopoly of violence,” Tella asserted. “As democrats, we will ignore violence. We believe the people are with us, and they will vote for us.” He concluded by saying, “In 2027, PDP is coming stronger to counter APC’s violent methods.”
Defections: A Disadvantage for Politicians
The chairman also addressed the issue of PDP members defecting to the APC. Tella argued that many such defectors are now mere spectators. They hold little influence in their new party, he observed.
He noted that defection has lost its appeal for politicians. Defectors often struggle to find relevance. This is because they were not involved in APC’s foundational work. They also lack internal structural ties, he added.
Tella explained, “It is no longer enviable for a politician to cross from PDP to APC.” He added, “Most of our members who have gone there have become onlookers.” He further stated that defectors are “still treated as outsiders.” This is because they were absent during the original party members’ efforts for victory.
PDP’s Enduring Strength and Unity
Tella described the PDP as a political organization with deep roots. He insisted that attempts to weaken it have consistently failed. The party remains resilient, he noted. This is despite numerous challenges faced over the years.
The leadership is taking deliberate steps to strengthen internal unity. They are also working to keep all members aligned. The PDP is focused on consolidating its base. They are preparing for a stronger showing in the next political cycle, he confirmed.
He concluded, “As far as I’m concerned, PDP is here to stay.” Tella firmly believes, “The party can never die.” He even joked, “If you try to kill it today, it will resurrect tomorrow.” He assured that “frantic efforts” are ongoing to unite their members.
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