The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s South-West region has made a bold commitment to reclaim key states, including Ekiti and Ondo, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections. This promise was made by the newly re-elected zonal chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, during his acceptance speech following the recent elections held at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ajisafe, who was re-elected unopposed as the zonal chairman of the PDP, expressed his confidence in the party’s ability to expand its influence in the South-West, where it currently governs only two states—Oyo and Osun. Despite the dominance of the APC in four other South-West states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo, Ajisafe vowed that under his leadership, the PDP would wrest power from the APC in more states in the region before his tenure ends.
“I promise, on behalf of the other executive members, to serve meritoriously and not deviate from the aspirations of the party leaders in the zone. More South-West states will produce governors on the platform of the PDP before the expiration of our tenure,” Ajisafe declared, to the approval of party delegates.
Ajisafe’s speech reflects the renewed focus of the PDP in the South-West, where the opposition party is strategically positioning itself to challenge the APC’s control, especially in states like Ekiti and Ondo, which have traditionally been strongholds of the APC.
The election saw key figures in the PDP, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and his Osun counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, leading the charge for unity within the party. Also present were notable party figures such as Bode George, a former member of the party’s Board of Trustees, and Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of PDP.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, lauded the congress for setting a positive example for democratic practices in Nigeria. “Four years ago, we were at daggers drawn, but today, we are one united PDP family. This election congress is for us to show the way democracy is supposed to be practiced in Nigeria,” he said. He emphasized the importance of unity in the party, which he believes will lead to more victories in future elections.
The South-West PDP leadership is aware of the challenge ahead. Despite the APC’s dominance in the region, particularly in states like Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo, Ajisafe’s leadership team is focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and appealing to the electorate with a message of unity, progress, and effective governance.
Governor Adeleke echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stressing that the PDP in the South-West was now speaking with one voice and would continue to push for a collective effort to reclaim lost states. In his statement, he acknowledged the importance of leadership cohesion in ensuring that the party could overcome the challenges posed by the APC.
The PDP’s message is clear: the party intends to offer an alternative to the APC, whose handling of the country’s socio-economic issues, especially in the South-West, has come under scrutiny. Party leaders, including Ajisafe, have pointed to what they call “failed governance” by the APC, particularly in relation to rising unemployment, poor infrastructure, and economic hardship faced by many residents in APC-controlled states.
During the congress, key new members were elected to the zonal executive positions, including Muyiwa Obagunwa, who was re-elected as zonal secretary, and Bose Adedibu, the widow of the late political titan Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, who was appointed as woman leader. These appointments are seen as efforts to bridge generational gaps and bring inclusivity to the party’s leadership.
The election was supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, serving as the Chief Electoral Officer. Emmanuel praised the conduct of the delegates, highlighting the smooth and transparent nature of the election process.
The PDP’s strategy for the 2027 elections will hinge on a broad coalition of stakeholders from across the region, as party leaders focus on rebuilding the party’s presence in the South-West. They intend to galvanize support by addressing issues such as economic development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure improvements.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the South-West PDP’s vision for reclaiming Ekiti and Ondo in the next cycle will be crucial to the party’s broader national ambitions. With the backing of influential leaders like Makinde and Adeleke, as well as the resolve shown by Ajisafe and other party officials, the PDP is poised to challenge the APC’s dominance in the region.
The PDP’s renewed focus on the South-West is more than just a call for political dominance; it is a reflection of the party’s desire to provide an alternative and vision-driven leadership in the region. As the 2027 elections approach, the PDP will be hoping that its message of unity, progress, and governance resonates with voters, as it aims to reclaim Ekiti and Ondo states from the APC.