Ogun State, Nigeria – In a surprising turn of events, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Key Highlights:
- The endorsement was made during the PDP’s campaign flag-off for the upcoming House of Representatives bye-election in Remo Federal Constituency.
- Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, declared that despite Tinubu being in the opposition party, they support him because he hails from the South-West, referring to him as “our own.”
- Former gubernatorial candidate Ladi Adebutu also echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that while Ogun PDP may have political differences at the state level, they fully back Tinubu’s leadership at the national level.
What This Means:
- The move signals a shift in regional political strategy, where ethnic and regional loyalty are taking precedence over party affiliation.
- PDP leaders in Ogun believe Tinubu’s leadership deserves continuity, and they see aligning with him as beneficial for the South-West.
- While some see this as a betrayal of opposition ideals, others view it as political pragmatism aimed at gaining federal influence.
Political Watch:
- Ogun PDP insists this endorsement is not a defection to the APC, but a calculated support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
- Political observers say this could influence similar decisions in other South-West states, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.