2027 Election Will Be APC vs Nigerians, Says Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that the 2027 general election will be a contest not just between political parties, but between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian people.

Makinde made the statement on Saturday during the commissioning of the Late Olusoji Adagunodo Zonal Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The event drew key figures from the PDP, including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), members of the party’s National Working Committee, and leaders from across the six geopolitical zones.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Makinde emphasized that his political trajectory would be determined solely by himself and not by external influence.

“People have been speculating and talking, but let me be clear: nobody will set an agenda for me apart from myself,” he said.

Makinde also addressed concerns over political interference and intra-party unity. “If you are accusing the ruling party of interfering to prevent a united opposition ahead of 2027, my position is this: some things are within our control. Whether Governor Adeleke and I cooperate for the growth of our party in the South-West is between us. Let us unite our base—that’s all we need.”

He continued, “The next election will be APC versus Nigerians. It is not even about APC versus PDP. Let the people of Nigeria speak.”

A Call for Unity Within PDP

In his own remarks, Governor Adeleke echoed the need for unity within the PDP, urging party members to move past internal divisions.

“We must forget the past divisions and unite for the good of our dear party,” Adeleke said. “It is better for us to resolve conflicts inside Government House than outside. We must refocus on building strong administrative and operational structures.”

Acting PDP National Chairman Damagum paid tribute to the late Olusoji Adagunodo, describing him as “a kind and down-to-earth man” who made significant contributions to the PDP’s development.

“With unity, we can reclaim all South-West states and eventually the entire country,” Damagum added.

The commissioning of the zonal secretariat marks a symbolic step in the PDP’s efforts to consolidate its position in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections, as calls for opposition unity continue to grow across the country.