2027: Atiku Will Secure ADC Presidential Ticket, But PDP Remains Strong — Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse

A respected Lagos State chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has reaffirmed that the outcome of the recently concluded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting proves that the PDP remains stable and united, contrary to some political speculations.

Dr. Pearse, who was previously a member of the Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee and is also the Convener of the Reset Lagos PDP Movement, made these remarks on Friday in Lagos following the party’s NEC meeting held in Abuja.

The high-level NEC meeting concluded on Thursday, with resolutions that include fixing the PDP’s national elective convention for November 15 and 16, 2027, in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.

PDP Not Facing Any Internal Crisis — Pearse Affirms

Responding to inquiries, Dr. Pearse confidently stated that the party remains structurally sound and is not experiencing the kind of internal disintegration seen in some rival political organizations.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the PDP. Unlike many other political entities, our party is deeply rooted in a well-established foundation,” Pearse said.

Drawing a metaphor from family life, Pearse compared internal party disagreements to disputes in a marriage.

“Just like in any marriage, disagreements can arise and be resolved. Jumping from one relationship to another doesn’t guarantee a better outcome. In fact, it may end up being worse or even disastrous.”

According to him, the success of the NEC meeting clearly signals that the PDP is regaining its rightful place within Nigeria’s political landscape.

“We conducted our NEC meeting in a democratic fashion. Unlike certain parties where leaders are imposed, the PDP elects its leaders through due process. That’s the true essence of democracy. Our party is making progress and everything is back on track.”

“Those who left the PDP are disoriented and have made hasty, miscalculated decisions. The PDP is restored and ready,” Pearse added.

Zoning the Presidential Ticket to the South: A Strategic Decision

Pearse went further to highlight the significance of the NEC’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region. He described it as a strategic masterstroke that could challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This zoning arrangement is the only viable strategy to defeat the incumbent president come 2027,” he emphasized.

Pearse Says ADC Lacks the Strength to Compete

Dr. Pearse also addressed the issue of opposition figures defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform recently adopted by several political stakeholders. He expressed serious doubt about the party’s ability to gain any significant political traction.

“The ADC lacks the necessary national structure and presence to be a formidable force in the upcoming elections. Those who defected from PDP to ADC will soon realize the misstep and come back.”

Atiku’s Political Gambit Is Risky — Pearse

Speaking on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s exit from the PDP, Pearse expressed concern over what he perceives as a string of poor political decisions made by the veteran politician.

“Atiku will surely win the ADC’s presidential primary, but he has no realistic path to winning the national election under that party’s banner. His frequent party switches have seriously eroded his political credibility.”

Pearse added that Atiku’s departure would have no meaningful impact on the PDP’s strength or strategy.

“Atiku is only damaging his own legacy. His political instincts seem flawed at this point,” he noted.

PDP’s 101st NEC Meeting Marks New Direction

The PDP’s 101st NEC meeting, held in Abuja, brought together party stakeholders from across the country. The discussions focused on internal reforms, strategic alignment, and preparations for the 2027 general election.

With the conventions scheduled for later in the year and a renewed vision, the PDP appears to be charting a new course as it aims to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s political hierarchy.