The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has downplayed the political weight of influential figures, insisting that electoral victory is determined by voters, not prominent individuals within parties.
Speaking on Thursday in Akure, the state PDP Chairman, Modupe Aisida, said the party remains confident despite the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the true strength of any political party lies with the electorate, not with governors or so-called political strongmen.
Aisida pointed to the 2023 presidential election as a clear example of voter power, noting that former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu lost in Lagos as well as in Osun State, his home state, despite expectations to the contrary. He said the outcome demonstrated that citizens ultimately decide election results, regardless of political influence.
He argued that Nigeria’s democracy would be stronger if political parties focused on building institutions rather than personalities. In his view, once institutions are solid, voters will confidently exercise their rights and express their choices without intimidation.
The PDP chairman said he was not disturbed by the exit of some party members, stressing that many of those who left benefitted from the party’s platform before defecting. He added that their popularity would only be tested in future elections, provided the process is free and fair.
Aisida also questioned the motivation behind the mass movement to the APC, suggesting that personal interests, rather than ideology or public service, drove many defections. He emphasized the need to educate voters on the importance of their ballots and discourage the practice of selling votes.
On speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s interest in the 2027 presidential race, Aisida said the PDP remains committed to internal democracy and would allow all interested aspirants to contest through a transparent primary process.
He further disclosed that the party has addressed mistakes made ahead of the 2023 elections by zoning the 2027 presidency to the southern region. Aisida also dismissed claims of internal divisions, insisting that the PDP remains united at both state and national levels.