2027 is Between PDP and APC, Boasts Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that the 2027 presidential election will be a contest between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than a traditional battle between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Makinde, a second-term governor and chieftain of the PDP, made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
According to Makinde, the PDP’s primary focus should be on fixing its internal issues and strengthening its platform before contemplating any alliances or mergers.
“Your house must be in order before you invite others,” he emphasized. This statement comes on the heels of a recent coalition formed by PDP’s 2023 flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, alongside other prominent politicians, including former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The coalition, announced on March 20, 2025, aims to oust incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the APC, whose administration has been criticized for mismanaging the economy, leading to all-time high inflation and an unprecedented cost of living. The coalition is banking on the numerical strength of the votes recorded by Atiku and Obi in the 2023 election, which combined to over 12 million, surpassing President Tinubu’s total votes by over four million.
However, in a surprising twist, Makinde and his PDP brother governors rejected the coalition on April 14, 2025, ruling out any plans for mergers or coalitions. Makinde emphasized that individuals and party members have the right to associate with any coalition, but the party’s stance remains different.
When asked about his potential interest in running for the presidency in 2027, Makinde remained coy, stating that he would make his intentions known at the right time. “Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself,” he said. The governor emphasized his focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo State and building infrastructure for the future, rather than engaging in “stunt politics.”
Makinde’s comments have sparked intense debate and speculation about the PDP’s chances against the APC in the 2027 presidential election. With the party’s internal dynamics and alliances still uncertain, one thing is clear: the road to the presidency will be a long and arduous one, with many twists and turns along the way.
In related news, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Bode George, has backed the party’s governors for rejecting the Atiku coalition, stating that he wants the PDP to win the next election with a southern candidate. As the 2027 presidential election draws near, one thing is certain: the PDP will need to get its house in order and present a united front if it hopes to challenge the APC’s dominance.
