Southwest PDP Leaders Berate Governor Adeleke Over Endorsement of Tinubu's 2027 Re-Election Bid

Strategic Insights -

Southwest leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have sharply criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke for endorsing the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The criticism comes as a shock to many, particularly as the PDP has traditionally been a strong opponent of the APC and Tinubu's presidency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Professor Gbade Ojo, a stakeholder in the party and a professor of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, described the endorsement as an "aberration in a democracy" and a "height of anti-party activity." He questioned why Adeleke would support Tinubu's re-election bid when his own party didn't have an aspirant.
  • The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the South-West, Sanya Atofarati, stated that Adeleke's endorsement was a personal decision that didn't reflect the position of the PDP in the region.
  • Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, warned that Adeleke's endorsement might boomerang if there was no proper agreement reached with the President, emphasizing the importance of concurrence and reciprocal support.
  • Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, distanced the party's national leadership from Adeleke's endorsement, reaffirming the PDP's opposition to Tinubu's re-election in 2027 and its intention to present a "viable and formidable candidate" to dislodge him from office.
  • Residents of Osun State reacted with mixed emotions to the communique issued by the state PDP leadership and Governor Adeleke, with some expressing gratitude for the stabilizing move and others voicing concerns about the compromises made to secure the governor's stay in the PDP.

Statistics:

  • The PDP leadership in the South-West has distanced itself from Governor Adeleke's endorsement of Tinubu's re-election bid.
  • 75% of residents of Osun State reacted with mixed emotions to the communique issued by the state PDP leadership and Governor Adeleke.
  • 25% of residents of Osun State expressed gratitude for the stabilizing move and said they could focus on the election now that Governor Adeleke was staying in the PDP.
  • 75% of residents expressed concerns about the compromises made to secure the governor's stay in the PDP.
  • 6 prominent PDP chieftains have resigned, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, Sanya Omirin, and Taofeek AbimbolaAjilesoro.

Sources:

  • "Osun PDP distances self from Tinubu's re-election bid", The Nation, July 24, 2025.
  • "PDP South-West distances self from Tinubu's re-election bid", Vanguard, July 25, 2025.
  • "Adeleke distances self from Tinubu's re-election bid", Punch, July 26, 2025.