2027: Wike-led PDP rejects Ibadan summit, opposes single presidential candidate plan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction in Oyo State aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has distanced itself from the declaration issued in Ibadan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction in Oyo State aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has distanced itself from the declaration issued in Ibadan following a summit of opposition political parties.
The group also firmly rejected any agreement to adopt a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, and Secretary, Dr. Abiola Olaonipekun, the faction stated that the party, under the leadership of former Deputy Governor, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, neither participated in nor endorsed the outcome of the meeting.
The leadership described the summit as illegitimate and lacking the constitutional authority required for decisions of such magnitude. It stressed that the party had no prior knowledge of the gathering and was not represented, thereby invalidating any claim of its involvement in any consensus arrangement.
According to the statement, no recognised organ of the PDP at either the national or state level approved participation in the summit. It noted that any valid inter-party engagement must be sanctioned by the National Working Committee (NWC) or the National Executive Committee (NEC), procedures it said were not followed.
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“The so-called Ibadan summit is a ruse. It was merely an assemblage of individuals, not a legitimate convergence of political parties. For any coalition or alliance to be binding, it must be anchored on institutional authorisation, not informal gatherings lacking due process,” the statement said.
The faction further dismissed claims of any alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or other opposition parties aimed at presenting a unified presidential candidate in 2027.
Reaffirming its independence, the leadership said decisions of such strategic importance would only be taken after extensive consultations within the party’s constitutional framework.
While acknowledging the shifting political landscape, the faction emphasised its commitment to strengthening internal structures rather than engaging in what it described as premature coalitions.
It also cautioned against misinformation, urging the public and party members to disregard reports linking the PDP to the Ibadan declaration, while reaffirming its readiness to participate fully in the 2027 elections.
