The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State says its strength in elections depends on the electorate rather than solely on influential party members, even as some governors and officials defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP Ondo State Chairman, Mr. Modupe Aisida, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure, emphasizing that the people ultimately determine election outcomes.
“Look at Lagos. Tinubu, a former governor, and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu lost in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election. Tinubu also lost in his home state, Osun. You can imagine the power of the people,” Aisida said. He added that party members should stop relying on so-called strongmen and instead build strong institutions that allow voters to exercise their franchise freely.
Aisida questioned the motivations of politicians moving to APC, saying many defected for selfish interests. He stressed that voters must be educated about their electoral power to discourage selling votes.
On the perceived interest of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election, Aisida said the PDP would allow every aspirant to exercise their democratic rights. “If former President Jonathan decides to run, good. There will be primaries; everyone will be given that chance,” he said.
The chairman added that the party had zoned the 2027 presidency to the southern part of the country and denied any factions or divisions within the party, attributing disagreements to varied opinions and interests among members.