The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has signalled its intention to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Sunday at the party secretariat in Ilorin, the state chairman, Issa Bawa, said the PDP was positioning itself for victory by strengthening internal processes and presenting credible candidates.
Bawa made the remarks while hosting Saheed Popoola, a National Assembly hopeful, commending his conduct and alignment with party leadership.
“Kwara PDP has rules and regulations that we abide by. We will not just present people arbitrarily who may end up spreading propaganda to our people. But Popoola has proven himself to be different and worthy of our trust,” he said.
The chairman stressed that the party would rely on due process and internal democracy in selecting its candidates, assuring aspirants of fairness.
“We are doing this so that those who eventually emerge will know they deserve it, while those who do not will know that the party and its leadership have been fair to them,” he stated.
Bawa expressed confidence in the party’s chances, pointing to what he described as growing grassroots support, especially in Offa.
“Offa is very resourceful and unique for the PDP in Kwara State ahead of 2027. From what we have seen and heard from stakeholders, youths, and women in Offa, the PDP will win in the next election cycle,” he added.
He urged other aspirants to emulate Popoola’s approach, noting that ambition must not override party discipline.
“I want to appeal to other aspirants to emulate what Popoola has done here today. He did not declare a do-or-die ambition. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to the leadership of the party. We cannot afford to fail in abiding by the rules of the game. I want to assure everyone that we will be fair to all under my leadership,” Bawa said.
The chairman also rallied support for party leader Bukola Saraki, expressing optimism about a political comeback.
“We will all march in rejoicing from the party secretariat to the Government House come 2027. What we thought we lost in 2019 and 2023 will return to us in multiple folds,” he said.
Earlier, Popoola formally declared his ambition to contest a National Assembly seat on the PDP platform, pledging loyalty to the party’s zoning arrangement and leadership.
He said his decision was driven by a desire to attract development to Kwara South, empower constituents and improve representation.
Kwara PDP eyes 2027 comeback, promises transparent primaries