By Adeyemi Adekunle
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to reclaim Nigeria’s political leadership in 2027, pledging to win more governorship seats and take control at the federal level. The party declared during a visit by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri at his residence in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
Leading the delegation, the PDP National Treasurer, Alhaji Ahmed Yayare, painted a dire picture of Nigeria’s economic situation under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he blamed for widespread hunger and poverty.
Addressing party faithful, Yayare said, “The 36 states of Nigeria are yearning for the return of PDP. The APC cannot go out to campaign because they will be stoned. Nigeria is in your hands. We need your support to salvage Nigeria.”
Yayare expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances in 2027, emphasizing the party’s unique position as the only viable opposition capable of challenging the APC. He declared that the PDP would not only increase its governorship numbers but also produce the president and vice president. “Nothing stops the PDP from taking over governance at the center in 2027,” he asserted.
The NWC’s visit also served as an opportunity to rally support for the party’s ongoing revitalization efforts. The committee pledged to strengthen the PDP’s structures, unify its members, and demonstrate to Nigerians that it offers a credible alternative to the APC’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the NWC, PDP National Secretary Ude Okoye commended Governor Diri for his developmental achievements and urged all PDP governors to align with the party’s vision. “The cry of the people is for change, and PDP must be ready to provide the leadership they deserve,” Okoye stated. He reiterated the NWC’s commitment to fostering respect for party structures and improving internal cohesion.
Governor Diri, in his response, emphasized the need for unity and discipline within the PDP. “As governors, we need to work closely together. If PDP dies in our hands, posterity will not forgive us,” Diri warned. He criticized party members who undermine the PDP by aligning with rival factions, calling for loyalty and internal resolutions to disputes.
Diri expressed support for the idea of forming a political coalition, with the PDP at its core, to challenge the APC in 2027. “If anybody is bigger than the party, the person can leave. It is PDP that has made most of us,” he stated. He also urged his colleagues to strengthen the party, emphasizing that the PDP must stand as a beacon of hope to rescue Nigeria from its current economic challenges.
The meeting was not only forward-looking but also reflective, as the NWC offered condolences to Governor Diri over the recent losses of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Moses Jituboh and Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei.
Observers believe the PDP’s strategy underscores its readiness to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the APC-led government. With Nigerians increasingly vocal about economic hardships, the PDP sees itself as a natural alternative for delivering good governance. The party is now banking on its legacy, strong leadership, and ability to unite its ranks to gain momentum for the 2027 general elections.
While political landscape is shifting, onlookers are still skeptical whether the PDP’s bold assertions and it’s determination to reclaim power and reshape Nigeria’s governance trajectory will yield result. However, the energy and vision displayed during the Bayelsa visit suggest that the PDP is prepared to fight for a significant comeback.
