A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has alleged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has privately confirmed his intention to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview with TVC from 18:59, Pearse revealed his role in mobilizing support for Makinde’s potential presidential campaign while disclosing details of their private conversations. “I’m actually the convener of National Support Group for Makinde for President in 2027. Seyi Makinde has confirmed to me that he will run against Tinubu, and he will defeat him. He has said it, and people are already going around to support him,” Pearse declared.
The PDP chieftain cited evidence of growing grassroots support for Makinde’s potential candidacy, including activities in northern Nigeria. “There was one group from the north in Kano who are putting his posters already. So, these things are going on, and it’s a question of party,” he stated.
When challenged about Makinde’s electoral prospects, Dr. Pearse dismissed skepticism and emphasized the unpredictable nature of politics. “Look, this is politics. Nobody knows tomorrow. He has already got a ticket for his party, and we will go through the process. Whoever gets the ticket in PDP, I happen to be working for Makinde to emerge,” he explained.
Pearse expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), linking the current administration to its predecessor. “But if Makinde emerges as the candidate of the PDP, then he will be fighting against a Tinubu administration, an APC administration that is a carryover from the 8 years under Buhari. I think we have a good chance of winning the election,” he argued.
The party chieftain also addressed concerns about recent defections from the PDP to the ruling party, arguing that elite departures do not reflect grassroots sentiment.
He disagreed with arguments that the PDP is weakening due to recent gubernatorial defections to the ruling party, contending that only political elites are switching parties while ordinary citizens remain loyal to the opposition.
Pearse referenced former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s experience as evidence of popular resistance to elite-driven party switches, claiming Okowa faced community backlash when he attempted to encourage APC support.
According to Pearse, the masses continue supporting the PDP despite the wave of high-profile defections, suggesting a disconnect between political leadership decisions and grassroots preferences.
