A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Dr Sikirulai Ogundele, has ruled out the ability of any opposition coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting that Nigerians are fully aware of those responsible for the country’s past challenges.
Ogundele made the declaration on Tuesday during a press conference in Abeokuta, where the Akinlade-Ogundele Political Group, an All Progressives Congress, APC support group, formally endorsed President Tinubu for a second term and threw its weight behind Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East senatorial seat.
The group is led by former Ogun deputy governorship candidate Adekunle Akinlade and Dr Ogundele.
Speaking at the event, Ogundele dismissed the much-discussed opposition coalition, questioning the credibility and intentions of those behind it.
“Have we ever asked ourselves who are those behind this coalition? I mean the personalities behind this coalition.
“If you are looking for the people that destroyed this country under the military rule, you will find them in that coalition. If you are looking for people that contributed badly to the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, you will find them there,” he said.
According to him, Nigerians are no longer deceived by political realignments.
“Nigerians are not gullible. They know those responsible for their plights. That is why I can tell you authoritatively that no coalition can work against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 — take it or leave it,” he said.
Ogundele praised Tinubu’s performance since assuming office, describing it as unprecedented.
President Bola Tinubu has done so much beyond expectations. We have never had it so good in this country. Coalition or no coalition, the people behind this arrangement should be well examined. Many of them are only aggrieved because they no longer enjoy patronage,” he said.
The group asserted that Tinubu has demonstrated “clear leadership and genuine commitment to national progress” through initiatives such as economic reforms, infrastructure development, the student loan scheme and expanded social welfare programmes, arguing that these achievements justify a second term.
The group also endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat, describing him as a proven leader and experienced political actor.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a former chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, in Ogun State, Abdulmajeed Ekelojumati, commended Abiodun’s record as governor, arguing that he deserves the party’s senatorial ticket.
“In the last six years or so, his administration has delivered visible developmental results, including major improvements in road infrastructure, better healthcare services, stronger inter-local government road connectivity, and the construction of a world-class airport that is redefining Ogun State’s economic standing.
We wish to state categorically that it is not only fair, but proper, for a performing, committed and loyal sitting governor to have the first right of refusal in terms of the senatorial ticket,” he said.
According to him, the governor’s effective management of multiple party tasks over the years and his ability to succeed where others fall short are indicative of the principles he would bring to the Nigerian Senate in 2027.
We are confident that as senator, Dapo Abiodun will be a solid bridge builder, a very stable hand, and an experienced political player in the 11th Assembly,” Ekelojumati stated.
