Battle-ready for 2027’: PDP leaders seek Obasanjo’s blessing as power play begins
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Taminu Turaki, has declared that the opposition party is poised to sweep the upcoming off-season governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, insisting the victories would signal the party’s return to national dominance ahead of 2027.
Turaki made the bold claim after a closed-door meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where senior party figures gathered to seek guidance and rally support.
Describing Obasanjo as a father figure and oracle, Turaki said the PDP leadership had come to pay tribute to the party’s founding fathers and to draw from their experience as it prepares for what he called a “gargantuan task” ahead.
He was accompanied by former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Adolphus Wabara, former Niger State governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang, former Oyo State deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja, and Ogun PDP chairman Abayomi Tella, among others.
Using a proverb to underline the value of experience, Turaki said those who started earlier inevitably had more lessons to offer, adding that the meeting had strengthened the party’s resolve and confidence.
He said the PDP was now “battle-ready” for 2027 and would first reclaim Ekiti before moving on to Osun, arguing that success in both states would leave no doubt that the party was resurging and ready to challenge the ruling APC, which he accused of incompetence and maladministration.
According to Turaki, the political equation has shifted since the party’s recent convention, insisting that the APC is now under pressure as the PDP repositions itself to take back power.
Ogun PDP chairman Abayomi Tella echoed the optimism, describing the visit as a new dawn for the party and saying members’ hope had been rekindled after years of internal turmoil.
Tella said the 2027 elections would be decided by the people rather than party labels, claiming voters were tired of the current government and ready for change. He warned that the irregularities witnessed in previous elections and by-elections would not be repeated, insisting that party members and residents would freely exercise their democratic rights.