The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that its electoral success depends on the power of eligible voters rather than the influence of political bigwigs, despite recent defections by prominent members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Ondo State Chairman of the party, Mr Modupe Aisida, stated this on Thursday in Akure, noting that while governors and other key figures have exited the PDP, the party’s true strength remains with the electorate.
Aisida cited the outcome of the 2023 presidential election as evidence of the decisive role played by voters. He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, lost the presidential election in Lagos, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also failed to secure the state for the APC. Tinubu similarly lost in Osun State, his home state, a development Aisida described as a clear demonstration of the power of the people.
According to him, these outcomes underscore the need for political parties to stop building “strongmen” and instead strengthen democratic institutions. He argued that when institutions are strong and elections are free and fair, voters are empowered to exercise their franchise and make their choices known, regardless of the status of political leaders.
“For me, power resides with the people. I’m not bothered about most of those people who left the party,” Aisida said, adding that many of the defectors rose to prominence on the platform of the PDP before leaving.
He maintained that the party has moved on from such exits, both at the state and national levels, describing the defections as beneficial to the political system. Aisida challenged defectors to test their popularity in future elections under a free and fair process, insisting that only then would their true strength be known.
The PDP chairman further questioned the motives behind the mass movement of politicians to the APC, suggesting that many were driven by selfish interests rather than ideology or public service. He stressed the importance of educating and enlightening citizens on their electoral power, urging voters to resist vote-buying and other practices that undermine democracy.
On speculation surrounding the possible interest of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election, Aisida said the PDP remains committed to democratic principles. He explained that if Jonathan or any other aspirant chooses to contest, the party would provide a level playing field through its primary process.
Aisida also disclosed that the PDP has addressed internal issues that affected its chances in the 2023 election, including zoning arrangements. According to him, the party has zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the southern part of the country.
He dismissed reports of factionalism within the PDP, insisting that the party remains united at both state and national levels, and focused on rebuilding public confidence ahead of future elections.
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