The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has said the party will rely on the general acceptability of the people at the grassroots and its structures, as demonstrated during the last local government council elections, to record a sound electoral victory in the 2027 general elections in the state.

A PDP statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, said:

“The PDP will not wait for an Abuja handshake before the party will win the 2027 general elections in Kwara State.”

The party, in an apparent reaction to the recent comment by a former Ambassador to Japan and now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Prof. Yisa Gana, said:

“It finds it laughable, Professor Gana’s false claim that PDP members are relying on a supposed ‘deal’ with President Tinubu to take over Kwara State in 2027.

“First, we understand where this spurious concoction is coming from, but it is necessary to remind Prof. Gana and his sponsors that the Kwara PDP did not rely on President Tinubu or any ‘handshake from Abuja’ to demonstrate the electoral strength that we displayed in the last local government elections.

“The strength was such that Prof. Gana himself admitted the PDP overwhelmingly won before the ruling party subverted the process.

“Second, Prof. Yisa’s falsehood that the PDP failed to seek redress in court after the rigged council polls is most unfortunate coming from someone of his status.”

The statement added:

“He (Gana) is also well aware that PDP candidates and leaders in Patigi, Offa, Ilorin South, Irepodun, and several other LGAs approached the tribunals to challenge the fraudulent results declared by INEC.”