The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State says it will no longer tolerate voter intimidation or political pressure ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s state chairman, Abayomi Tella, declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress would not be allowed to dominate the polls through force or fear. He said the PDP is prepared to stand its ground and protect voters’ choices when Nigerians return to the ballot.
Tella accused the APC of relying on violence, intimidation, and coercive tactics to secure wins in recent elections. He pointed to the 2023 general elections and the Remo Federal Constituency by-election as examples of what he described as systematic pressure on voters and opposition supporters. According to him, the PDP has studied those methods and is determined not to be caught unprepared in 2027.
He said the party would no longer accept what he called political bullying, insisting that the balance of power is shifting toward the electorate. Tella argued that the next election would not simply be a contest between political parties, but a broader test of whether Nigerians can freely express their will. He maintained that the PDP now enjoys growing grassroots backing across the state.
While acknowledging the reality of political violence, Tella said the PDP remains committed to democratic principles. He stressed that the party believes popular support, rather than intimidation, will ultimately decide the outcome. He added that the PDP is reorganising and strengthening its structures to counter any attempt to undermine the process.
The Ogun PDP chair also dismissed the growing wave of defections to the APC as overstated. He claimed that politicians who leave the PDP often lose relevance after crossing over. According to him, many defectors struggle to find a place within the APC because they were not part of the party’s early organisation or internal power base.
Tella said former PDP members who moved to the ruling party are frequently sidelined and reduced to observers. He argued that loyalty and long-term involvement still determine influence within the APC, leaving latecomers on the margins of decision-making.
Addressing concerns about the PDP’s future, Tella insisted the party remains strong despite years of internal and external challenges. He described the PDP as deeply rooted and resilient, saying repeated efforts to weaken it have failed. He added that the party leadership is actively working to maintain unity, rebuild confidence, and consolidate its support base as preparations for the next political cycle intensify.
