The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has dismissed claims that it is banking on a political deal with President Bola Tinubu to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Ilorin by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party described the allegation—credited to Professor Yisa Gana, former Ambassador to Japan and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as “laughable and false.”
According to Adewara, the PDP’s strength lies not in Abuja “handshakes” but in the grassroots structures and popular support that were clearly demonstrated during the last local government elections.
“Kwara PDP did not rely on President Tinubu or any external deal to show the electoral strength we displayed in the last local government polls,” Adewara said. “Even Professor Gana admitted our party overwhelmingly won before the ruling party subverted the process.”
The PDP also faulted Gana’s claim that the party failed to seek redress after the “rigged” council elections. Adewara stressed that PDP candidates in Patigi, Offa, Ilorin South, Irepodun and other LGAs duly approached the election tribunals to challenge the results announced by KWASIEC.
The statement further questioned Gana’s commitment to the struggle, noting that he allegedly could not even afford the ₦25,000 nomination fee for a councillorship aspirant in his ward until former Senate President Bukola Saraki intervened.
“If he believes more should have been done, we ask: what sacrifice did he make? What did he contribute to litigation or grassroots mobilisation in his local government?” Adewara queried.
Reaffirming its readiness for 2027, the PDP pledged to continue consolidating its grassroots networks and aligning with the yearnings of Kwarans for what it described as the “genuine rescue” of the state.
“The PDP has the structure, the vision, and the resolve to deliver Kwara from APC’s misrule in 2027. Our focus remains on the people, not political deals,” the statement concluded.
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